In the wave of industrial logistics upgrades, electric forklifts have become core equipment for enterprises to reduce costs and increase efficiency. When EP, focusing on the global market, and Hangcha, deeply rooted in the local market, compete on the same stage, how should companies make the right choice? This article compares them from three dimensions: technical characteristics, scenario adaptability, and overall cost, providing a reference for your procurement decision.

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Brand Background: Global Innovator VS Local Strength-Based Player

The difference in brand genes has laid the foundation for their drastically different development paths. EP deploys its R&D with an international perspective, and its products have won numerous awards for their intelligent design. Its EXP15 intelligent automatic pallet truck recently won the 2025 IFOY International Forklift of the Year Award, setting a benchmark for intelligence in the global warehousing and logistics field. This global gene gives EP a greater advantage in technology integration and international standard adaptation, making it especially suitable for companies with cross-border business or overseas operations.

Hangcha, on the other hand, has established itself in the market with nearly 70 years of local manufacturing experience. It has now ranked eighth in revenue among global forklift companies and is a leading enterprise in China's industrial vehicle sector. Leveraging its deep technological foundation, Hangcha has built a full-series new energy product matrix ranging from 0.6 tons to 48 tons, better understanding the complex working conditions required by China's manufacturing industry. It has deployed over 7,000 AGV devices across more than 20 industries, including photovoltaics and lithium batteries, with a comprehensive localized service network.

Core Showdown: A Three-Dimensional Battle of Technology, Efficiency, and Cost The core demands for purchasing forklifts are nothing more than "easy to use, high efficiency, and value for money." Both companies emphasize different aspects in these key dimensions:

1. Technological Highlights: Intelligent Pioneer VS Full-Stack Expert
EP's core competitiveness lies in intelligent technology. Its award-winning EXP15 series is equipped with an advanced automatic navigation and environmental perception system, accurately completing pallet recognition and automatic docking operations, significantly reducing manual intervention costs, and particularly meeting the flexible handling needs of modern intelligent warehousing. In terms of human-machine interaction design, EP products focus on simplified operation, making them suitable for beginners to quickly learn.

Hangcha, on the other hand, has built a comprehensive technological advantage, especially excelling in the new energy field. The independently developed lithium iron phosphate battery technology boasts twice the energy density of lead-acid batteries, fully charging in just 2 hours and supporting continuous operation across three shifts. In contrast, lead-acid battery forklifts require three sets of batteries for frequent replacements to perform the same task. The fully AC control system eliminates the need for maintenance-free motors, and coupled with a rigorous safety system undergoing 273 tests and an IPX4 waterproof rating, its reliability is widely recognized in harsh conditions such as high and low temperatures and humidity. Furthermore, Hangcha continues to strengthen its position in the intelligent logistics field, achieving the number one sales volume of forklift AGVs nationwide for five consecutive years. Its upcoming first industrial humanoid robot will fill the gap in flexible last-mile delivery.

2. Efficiency vs. Cost: Flexible Adaptability vs. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
From a short-term investment perspective, EP's intelligent products offer greater flexibility in light-load, automated scenarios; however, Hangcha wins with a lower total cost of ownership (TCO)—although the entry-level price of lithium battery forklifts is slightly higher, their 3000 charge-discharge cycle life, maintenance-free characteristics, and 55% reduction in operating costs make them significantly more cost-effective in the long run than lead-acid battery products and some similar equipment.

In terms of operational efficiency, Hangcha's advantages are particularly evident: its wide-view mast design and intelligent fork descent buffer technology (automatic deceleration from 100-60mm above the ground) ensure both operational safety and improve cargo handling efficiency; regenerative braking technology can reverse charge the battery when stopping or going downhill, further reducing energy consumption. EP's intelligent scheduling system is more suitable for large warehouses with multiple devices working together, optimizing handling paths through algorithms to reduce equipment idling.

3. Service Guarantee: Precise Coverage vs. Nationwide Penetration
EP's service network focuses more on core economic zones and overseas markets, providing dedicated technical support for intelligent equipment, suitable for companies with operations concentrated in first- and second-tier cities or export needs. Hangcha, on the other hand, leverages nearly 70 years of local experience to build a nationwide service system. Its two-door structure and fully opening battery cover design make maintenance and repair more convenient, and standardized emergency power-off switches and other safety features enable rapid response to service needs under various operating conditions.

Decision Guide: Matching to Needs is the Optimal Solution Still undecided after comparing? Please keep this scenario-based selection list handy:

- Prioritize EP: Companies seeking smart warehousing upgrades, light-load, high-frequency operations, overseas business operations, and those pursuing cutting-edge technology applications, especially industries with high automation requirements such as e-commerce logistics and electronics manufacturing.

- Prioritize Hangcha: Companies in traditional manufacturing workshops, heavy-load continuous operations, complex working conditions (high/low temperature/humidity), and those seeking long-term cost optimization, such as those in automotive parts, photovoltaic lithium batteries, and port logistics.

- Compromise Solution: If both smart warehousing and traditional material handling are involved, a combination of "Hangcha's main heavy-duty equipment + EP supplementary light-duty automation" can be adopted to achieve full scenario coverage.

Whether it's EP's intelligent innovation or Hangcha's deep cultivation in the local market, the core is to empower enterprise logistics. Currently, the electrification and intelligent transformation of industrial vehicles is a foregone conclusion. Choosing the equipment best suited to one's own working conditions is crucial to truly leading the race for cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Which forklift characteristics do you value most? Feel free to leave a comment in the comment section to discuss.

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