Heavy equipment battery production joint venture established by Manitou and Hangcha
In a bid to accelerate the electrification of the industrial vehicle market, French equipment manufacturer Manitou and Chinese forklift manufacturer Hangcha have formed a joint venture, MH Battery, to develop and manufacture advanced lithium-ion batteries. This strategic partnership is part of Hangcha's broader new energy strategy, aiming to transition its entire industrial vehicle lineup to electric vehicles by the end of 2025.
The joint venture, headquartered in France's Le Mans, will commence production and manufacturing of high-performance lithium-ion battery packs specifically designed for industrial and electric-powered lifting equipment in early 2026. The batteries are expected to offer several advantages over lead-acid alternatives, including faster charging times, longer lifespans, lighter weight, maintenance-free operation, and integrated smart management for better utilization and lower operating costs.
Hangcha's Chairman, Zhao Limin, has emphasised this collaboration as a pivotal step in their global industrial layout and electrification transformation, aiming to significantly contribute to sustainability by eliminating fossil-fuel based machinery in their portfolio and supporting the transition in the broader industrial vehicle market.
In a separate development, EnergySage, a free service that connects users with pre-vetted solar installers for easy comparison, offers high-quality solar solutions and saves users 20-30% compared to going it alone. Users can compare personalized solar quotes online, get started with EnergySage, and receive solar advisors to help every step of the way. EnergySage's service is subscribable on Google News for updates.
Meanwhile, Hangcha Group has publicly stated its intention to become 100% electric by the end of 2025. The joint venture aims to upgrade existing lead-acid battery-powered vehicles with longer-lasting lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries, and may later focus on diesel retrofits and new product development. The company also plans to recruit employees including engineers, operators, sales representatives, and after-sales service technicians.
Hangcha, the world's eighth-largest manufacturer of industrial vehicles, opened its first forklift plant in 1956 and developed its own material handler in 1974. The company's strategic partnership with Manitou is a significant step in Hangcha's global industrial expansion, according to Zhao Limin.
For those interested in solar energy solutions, EnergySage can be found on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. EnergySage uses income-earning auto affiliate links and does not solicit sales calls until a user selects an installer and shares their phone number. With hundreds of solar installers competing for users' business, EnergySage ensures competitive pricing.
Sources: [1] Hangcha Group Press Release, July 2025 [2] Manitou Group Press Release, July 2025 [3] Hangcha Group Training Session Announcement, June 2025 in Senlis, France
The joint venture, MH Battery, will primarily focus on the development and manufacturing of advanced lithium-ion batteries specifically designed for industrial and electric-powered lifting equipment, a key aspect of Hangcha's renewable-energy strategy. Financing and technology will be crucial in this joint endeavor, as the batteries are expected to replace lead-acid alternatives and offer advantages like faster charging times, longer lifespans, lighter weight, maintenance-free operation, and integrated smart management. Moreover, Hangcha aims to become 100% electric by the end of 2025, and the joint venture plans to upgrade existing vehicles and later focus on diesel retrofits and new product development, playing a significant role in the electrification of the industrial vehicle industry.
