Knowledge
Jungheinrich launches redesigned EFG 2/2i and 3/3i electric forklifts
Jungheinrich has introduced redesigned three-wheel and four-wheel electric counterbalance forklifts for applications with capacities of up to 2 tonnes. The EFG 2/2i is the three-wheel range, covering 1.4 to 2.0 tonnes, while the four-wheel EFG 3/3i covers 1.6 to 2.0 tonnes. The manufacturer is positioning the trucks for warehouses, loading areas and production environments where manoeuvrability, visibility and efficient use of space are important. [1]
The launch is relevant to UK fleet and procurement teams because the range combines several decisions that are normally assessed separately: truck configuration, battery technology, performance level, operator environment and driver-assistance equipment. Jungheinrich says the drive&liftPLUS variant is scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of Q3 2026, with the efficiencyPLUS and performancePLUS versions planned for 2027. [1] Since availability is staged by configuration, you should confirm the current specification and delivery position with Jungheinrich or an authorised supplier before including a truck in a replacement programme.
The two ranges address different operating priorities
The three-wheel EFG 2/2i is intended to provide a compact counterbalance option where turning space is restricted. The four-wheel EFG 3/3i offers an alternative for applications in which the operating team places greater emphasis on stability or outdoor use. The choice between them should not be made from wheel configuration alone. Load centre, attachment, mast height, floor condition, travel distance, gradient, surface quality and the required aisle width all affect whether a particular truck is suitable.
Jungheinrich says the new generation was developed using customer experience from more than 170,000 vehicles sold. [1] The company presents the redesigned trucks as part of a broader connected counterbalance portfolio, with attention to compact dimensions, configurable performance, operator visibility and assistance technology. [2] Those claims provide a starting point for evaluation, but they do not replace a site survey or a demonstration with representative loads.
Compact dimensions can support tighter warehouse layouts
Jungheinrich reports up to 15 per cent better space efficiency, attributing the improvement to the integrated lithium-ion battery, revised steering axle geometry and compact vehicle architecture. [1] Depending on the model, the turning circle is claimed to be up to 300 millimetres smaller than that of the previous series. [1] These figures may be relevant at pallet racking, dock levellers, trailers, production cells and other locations where forklift movement interacts with fixed infrastructure or pedestrian routes.
In practice, a smaller turning circle may reduce corrective manoeuvres at pallet positions and provide more tolerance in loading areas. The actual benefit depends on the complete truck specification and the site layout. Before purchase, you should check the exact overall dimensions, turning radius, load centre, mast and attachment combination, residual capacity and aisle requirement. A range-level space-efficiency claim should not be treated as a guaranteed result for every warehouse.
Three performance levels allow duty-based specification
The new series is offered through three named performance configurations: efficiencyPLUS, drive&liftPLUS and performancePLUS. Jungheinrich describes efficiencyPLUS as an entry-level option for moderate handling volumes, drive&liftPLUS as a balanced configuration and performancePLUS as the version for demanding applications and higher productivity requirements. [1] This approach may allow a fleet manager to specify trucks according to actual duty cycles instead of assigning the same performance level to every vehicle.
The performancePLUS configuration uses permanent-magnet synchronous motors and revised hydraulics. Jungheinrich associates these changes with higher handling performance and improved energy efficiency. [1] The cited material does not provide a complete set of independently comparable cycle-time, energy-consumption or residual-capacity figures. You should therefore request application-specific performance data rather than treating the configuration names as quantified throughput guarantees.
The announced sales timetable also differs by configuration. Drive&liftPLUS is scheduled for the beginning of Q3 2026, while efficiencyPLUS and performancePLUS are scheduled to follow in 2027. [1] For a UK renewal plan, this timing may influence whether you specify an immediately available configuration, extend an existing rental period or wait for a later variant.
Battery choices affect charging and shift planning
Jungheinrich says the EFG 2/2i and 3/3i can be configured with integrated lithium-ion batteries rated at 346 Ah, 460 Ah or 690 Ah. The range can also accommodate lead-acid batteries or preparation for fuel-cell operation. [1] The available energy system affects more than nominal capacity. It can influence charging infrastructure, opportunity-charging arrangements, shift coverage, battery-room requirements, maintenance processes and total cost of ownership.
The announcement does not establish that every battery option is available for every truck, mast, attachment or market specification. You should request a model-by-model configuration sheet covering battery weight, charging equipment, expected operating hours, warranty conditions and any restrictions affecting residual capacity. A battery should be selected against the complete operating profile, including shift length, travel intensity, loading frequency and charging access.
Cab changes focus on comfort and control access
The redesigned operator environment provides approximately 100 millimetres of additional legroom, a lower entry height and a revised steering column. Jungheinrich also describes a vibration-decoupled cab and a revised acoustic concept with a stated noise level of 63 dB(A). [1] These changes are intended to address the physical and sensory demands of repeated travel, loading and unloading cycles.
The trucks use a new human-machine interface with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and revised controls. [1] During a demonstration, you should check whether the display remains readable from the normal seating position, how quickly operators can access frequently used functions and whether the control layout suits both experienced and occasional users. The published material does not specify training requirements or integration with a particular warehouse management system, so those points should be confirmed separately.
Visibility measures complement wider site controls
Jungheinrich claims that a redesigned slanted B-pillar reduces the rearward blind spot by up to 65 per cent. The company also identifies a low instrument panel and an optional panoramic roof as measures intended to improve the view of forks, loads and racking levels, including at greater lift heights. [1]
The available assistance systems include AI-supported addedVIEW person detection and the zone-based zoneCONTROL collision-protection system. An optional SmartStripe LED light strip can provide brake, direction and warning signals and show battery charge status from a distance. [1] These systems may support mixed-traffic operations, but they do not remove the need for pedestrian segregation, traffic management, operator training, pre-use checks and workplace-specific risk controls.
Connectivity can support service and fleet oversight
Jungheinrich states that the electric forklifts are networked as standard and can provide operating data in real time. The company links this connectivity with digital service, predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics, with the stated aim of identifying issues earlier and reducing unplanned downtime. [1] For a multi-truck fleet, this could give managers a clearer view of utilisation, faults and service requirements.
The operational value depends on which data is collected and how the customer uses it. Before signing a purchase, rental or service agreement, you should clarify data access, retention, alert coverage, connectivity requirements at the site and pricing after any initial contract period. It is also worth establishing who is responsible for responding to alerts and whether service interventions require a Jungheinrich technician.
A practical evaluation should use the intended load and attachment
The redesigned EFG range is most relevant where you need an electric counterbalance truck with compact dimensions but do not want to use a single specification for every task. Start by documenting the actual load profile, travel pattern, lift heights, attachment requirements, aisle geometry and shift coverage. Then compare the three performance levels and available battery systems against those operating conditions.
A physical demonstration should use representative pallets, the intended attachment and the highest planned lift height. You should test entry and exit, seat adjustment, steering-column movement, display visibility, reversing sightlines, control access and behaviour near racking or loading bays. The assessment should also include charging access, maintenance arrangements, operator instruction, pedestrian interaction and the effect of the truck’s dimensions on existing traffic routes.
For procurement purposes, compare the complete cost of operation rather than only the acquisition or rental price. Include energy, charging infrastructure, maintenance, downtime, training, connectivity and any changes required to the workplace. The manufacturer’s published figures can help define the questions for a supplier demonstration, but the final specification should be based on the documented requirements of your UK site.
Frequently asked questions about the Jungheinrich EFG 2/2i and 3/3i
What capacity range do the Jungheinrich EFG 2/2i and 3/3i cover?
The EFG 2/2i three-wheel range covers 1.4 to 2.0 tonnes, while the EFG 3/3i four-wheel range covers 1.6 to 2.0 tonnes. [1]
When are the new Jungheinrich EFG trucks scheduled to go on sale?
The drive&liftPLUS variant is scheduled for sales at the beginning of Q3 2026. The efficiencyPLUS and performancePLUS variants are scheduled to follow in 2027. [1]
Which battery options are announced for the series?
Jungheinrich lists integrated lithium-ion batteries with capacities of 346 Ah, 460 Ah and 690 Ah, alongside lead-acid battery capability and preparation for fuel-cell operation. [1]
Which safety and driver-assistance features are available?
The announced options include AI-supported addedVIEW person detection, zoneCONTROL collision protection, a SmartStripe LED light strip, an optional panoramic roof and visibility improvements linked to the revised vehicle design. [1]
Are the published space-efficiency figures a guarantee for every warehouse?
No. The manufacturer reports up to 15 per cent better space efficiency and up to 300 millimetres of turning-circle reduction depending on the model. Actual results depend on the exact truck, load, attachment, aisle layout and operating conditions. [1]