Knowles Logistics has taken a major step forward in its sustainability journey with a significant investment in electric forklift trucks.
The company has confirmed that 90 of its 103-strong forklift fleet—equating to 87 per cent—is now fully electric.
The move marks a milestone in the operator’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and advancing greener practices within the logistics sector.
The new fleet comprises 60 electric forklifts, including double handlers (EP40s), counterbalance trucks (EP20s), Flexi trucks and Aisle Masters, all of which will operate across the Knowles network.
The trucks have been supplied through a three-year lease agreement with Impact Handling and are manufactured by CAT® and Toyota.
By replacing gas-powered trucks with electric alternatives, Knowles is cutting 460 tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year across its sites.
“This investment is about more than operational efficiency—it’s about doing what’s right for the environment,” said Alex Knowles, Managing Director of Knowles Logistics.
“We’re proud to be taking real, measurable steps towards greener operations. These forklifts not only reduce emissions but improve our day-to-day handling efficiency.”
The new fleet is supported by advanced charging infrastructure from Fronius Charge & Connect, which provides real-time monitoring of battery health and status.
The system enables a combination of opportunity and scheduled charging, ensuring uptime while protecting the five-year lifespan of each battery.
Knowles Logistics is targeting a fully electric fleet within 12 months, as part of a broader drive to integrate low-emission technologies and sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
“The long-term goal is to operate a fully electric fleet across all applicable sites,” added Alex Knowles.
“We're approaching this transition strategically and with confidence, and the early results are incredibly encouraging—not just for carbon savings, but for improved performance and reduced maintenance costs as well.”
With this investment, Knowles Logistics has reinforced its position as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible operator.
As pressure mounts on the logistics sector to decarbonise, the company’s proactive shift to electric materials handling sets a benchmark for others to follow.