Over 460 Tonnes of CO₂ Emissions Cut Annually
Sustainability remains at the forefront of operations at Knowles Logistics as the company announces a significant step forward in its green journey with 90 of the 103-strong fleet of forklifts across the network, or 87 per cent, being fully electric.
The investment represents a milestone in Knowles’ commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and supporting a more sustainable logistics industry
The new fleet—comprising 60 electric forklifts including double handlers (EP40s), counterbalance trucks (EP20s), Flexi trucks and Aisle Masters —will operate across the Knowles network.
The electric trucks have been sourced via a three-year lease agreement with Impact Handling and are manufactured by CAT® and Toyota.
By replacing gas-powered trucks with electric models, Knowles is achieving a substantial carbon saving of 460 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually across the network.
“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 powered by Fronius Charge & Connect, a smart dashboard system that monitors the health and status of every battery in real time.
This enables round-the-clock operation through a blend of opportunity and scheduled charging, ensuring uptime while preserving the five-year lifespan of each battery.
An Ongoing Green Transition
Knowles continues to work towards its target of implementing a fully-electric fleet within 12 months.
The move follows an overarching drive by the business to integrate low-emission technologies and more sustainable practices at every level of its supply chain.
“The long-term goal is to operate a fully electric fleet across all applicable sites,” Alex Knowles added.
“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.”
Leading the Charge in Sustainable Logistics
With this latest move, Knowles Logistics continues to reinforce its reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible operator. As the logistics sector faces growing pressure to decarbonise, Knowles’ proactive investment in electric materials handling equipment sets a clear benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
