If you're specifying a 1.5 tonne electric forklift for a UK warehouse or yard, lithium-ion has changed what this weight class can do. A 1.5 tonne truck used to mean lead-acid batteries, scheduled charging windows, and a fair bit of maintenance. The current generation runs longer, charges faster, and needs almost none of the upkeep a lead-acid pack demands.
This guide covers what lithium-ion actually changes at 1.5 tonne capacity, and the two layouts EP Equipment builds in this class: a 4-wheel counterbalance and a 3-wheel narrow aisle truck.
What Lithium-Ion Changes at This Capacity
A 1500kg lithium-ion truck doesn't need a battery change room or a dedicated charging bay. The battery tops up during breaks, so a single pack can cover a full shift without the truck standing idle for hours on charge. There's no watering, no equalising charge, and no acid to handle.
Lithium packs are also sealed and largely maintenance-free, which matters if the truck sits outside part of the time. Both models covered here are rated for outdoor use in the rain, something most lead-acid trucks in this class struggle with.
The trade-off is upfront cost. Lithium-ion trucks carry a higher purchase price than an equivalent lead-acid model, but the running cost savings on charging, maintenance, and battery replacement usually close that gap over the truck's working life.
Two Layouts, One Capacity
At 1.5 tonnes, the choice isn't really about lift capacity. It's about how much space you have to turn in.
CPD15L1: 4-Wheel Counterbalance
The CPD15L1 is EP's 4-wheel counterbalance truck at 1500kg capacity, built around a 48V lithium-ion battery. It has one of the widest cabins in its class, which makes a real difference on long shifts, and it's designed as a straight swap for IC forklifts moving over to electric.
Key points:
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48V lithium-ion battery with fast, opportunity charging
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Widest cabin in its class for operator comfort
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Rated for outdoor use, including wet conditions
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5-year battery warranty and a full pre-delivery inspection on every unit
This is the layout to pick if you've got standard aisle widths and want a truck that can move between indoor and outdoor work without a second thought.
CPD15/18/20TVL: 3-Wheel Narrow Aisle
The CPD15TVL trades the fourth wheel for a much tighter turning circle. At 1500kg capacity, it turns in a 1450mm radius, which opens up aisles that a 4-wheel truck simply can't work in.
Key points:
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80V lithium-ion battery with dual front drive motors for consistent traction
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1450mm turning radius, built for narrow aisle warehousing
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Opportunity charging, which suits rental fleets and multi-shift sites
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Strong dock and loading bay performance, despite the compact footprint
If your warehouse layout was designed around narrow aisles, or you're trying to fit more racking into the same footprint, this is the more useful of the two.
Specification Checklist Before You Buy or Hire
A few things worth checking against your site before deciding between models:
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Aisle width — measure your tightest working aisle, not your average one
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Battery voltage and charging routine — opportunity charging only helps if you actually have breaks to charge during
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Mast height and type — duplex or triplex, and whether you need extra lift for high-bay racking
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Indoor/outdoor use — both models here handle rain, but check ground conditions for outdoor yard work
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Warranty and servicing — battery warranty length and what's covered on the drivetrain
Which 1.5 Tonne Model Fits Your Operation
Both the CPD15L1 and the CPD15TVL do the same core job at the same capacity, so the decision usually comes down to your aisles and your duty cycle. Standard layouts and mixed indoor/outdoor work suit the 4-wheel CPD15L1. Narrow aisle warehousing suits the 3-wheel CPD15TVL.
Get in touch with the iLift team to talk through your site and we'll help you match the right layout, mast, and battery spec to how you actually work.
