One out of thirteen: BYD in the IFOY test

To sum up right away: With the ECB18C, BYD is launching a pleasant truck onto the market that doesn't need to shy away from competition with European brands. When it comes to battery technology, BYD even offers considerable added value. The battery can be recharged quickly, as often as required and without memory effect, even enabling three-shift operation. All you need to do is recharge the truck during every break.

Basic and comfort version

The forklifts developed by Chinese manufacturer BYD for the demanding European market are significantly more advanced than those of its Asian competitors. The "European Chinese" are all equipped with dual drive motors for additional maneuverability and maintenance-free oil bath brakes instead of drum brakes. BYD offers the ECB 18C in a basic version and a comfort version. The main difference lies in the operation: the basic version is equipped with a mechanical lever, while the comfort version offers an electro-hydraulic lever and a luxurious Grammer seat.

Impressive look

The BYD is visually appealing. It has a bright, modern color display, which is produced by BYD itself. The selected settings and the degree of battery discharge are easy to read. The armrest can be adjusted to the driver's sitting position. Useful mini-levers make mast operation extremely easy and the accuracy of mast operation is good. On the duplex mast in the IFOY test, visibility of the fork tips is good, as is all-round visibility. The mast damping on the ground is present. The compactness of the truck, which does not restrict the driver in any way, is remarkable. Leg and foot space are generously dimensioned. In terms of overall workmanship, this BYD is far ahead of its Chinese competitors.

Sensitive handling

The truck's software settings have also been adapted to European standards, enabling extremely sensitive handling. The driver can also choose between three operating modes via the display menu: H (High), M (Medium) and L (Low). In "High", the truck accelerates strongly and the 80-volt battery is clearly noticeable in the compact vehicle. The steering is very predictable, but could be a little smoother when driving empty. Other tires would also be recommended in this respect. The power and settings of the cornering control system have been significantly improved compared to the first edition of the BYD truck. The truck is also easy to use. According to the test team, the BYD is best handled in medium mode.

Driving time of six hours in M mode

The lithium iron phosphate batteries manufactured by BYD itself have been developed to ensure the lowest possible operating costs. The battery can be charged quickly and, according to the manufacturer, lasts the life of the truck. Even after ten years of operation, BYD still guarantees a capacity of 65 percent. In addition, the battery is completely maintenance-free and can be recharged anywhere - without the need for an expensive charging station or replacement batteries. Despite its high performance, the energy consumption is lower than the test average.

The test measurements show that the BYD runs for almost five hours in the most powerful mode and thus easily manages the next long break, during which the battery can be almost fully recharged. If you select M mode, you can achieve a practical driving time of just under six hours.

Contact:International Forklift Truck of the Year 85774 Unterföhring Tel.: 0 89 / 95 82 26-11 E-Mail: [email protected] www.ifoy.org

BYD Europe B.V. 3047 AT Rotterdam, Netherlands Tel.: 00 31 / 10 20 / 7 08 88 E-Mail:[email protected] www.bydforklift.com