Spanish equipment maker AUSA unveiled its first fully electric rough-terrain forklift—the C151E—on July 5, 2025, unveiling a key innovation for heavy‑duty material handling in zero‑emission environments.
Launched at Bauma in Germany, this all‑electric forklift echoes the plug-in transition seen across the industrial sector, offering comparable performance to combustion models—with none of the noise or pollution.
Performance on par with combustion units
The C151E delivers impressive specs based on a 1,500‑kg (3,000‑lb) load capacity and a lift height of up to 4 meters (13.1 ft). Its 19.6 kW electric motor and robust lithium‑ion battery (15.5–18.6 kWh capacity) enable it to complete an “intense shift” on a single charge.
It runs near‑silent and emits zero tailpipe emissions, ideal for enclosed or noise‑sensitive scenarios such as greenhouses, warehouses, and nighttime municipal works.
Fast‑charging equals minimal downtime
Users can recharge the C151E to 80% in about 3¼ hours using a 230 V charger, or just 1 hour with a 400 V fast‑charger. Industry observers, like Electrek, emphasize its practical value: “Even if you drive the battery to nearly nothing, the AUSA can be charged … during a lunch break or shift change”.
This fast turnaround supports higher equipment utilization and unlocks new income possibilities in areas where internal‑combustion engines are restricted.
Safety and operator comfort
The C151E’s cab sports urbanized ergonomic features: adjustable seating, operator‑presence and seat‑belt sensors, a comprehensive digital display with diagnostics, and intuitive all‑in‑one joystick controls.
Additional safety features include LED rotating beacons, reverse white‑noise alerts, hill‑start assist, full‑time 4×4 traction, and a compact external turning radius—ensuring reliable performance on rough or sloped terrain.
Economic and environmental benefits
According to AUSA and Electrek, companies adopting the C151E can “earn more work, get a higher utilization rate,” reduce fuel and maintenance costs, and deploy equipment in emission‑restricted areas—yielding both economic and environmental gains.
The shift away from diesel forklifts also removes worker exposure to CO and other harmful pollutants—making electric units safer and healthier for indoor operations.
Expansion of electric fleets
The C151E complements AUSA’s expanding electric vehicle lineup, following models like the D101AEA and D151AEG dumpers and the T164E telehandler. Its debut marks the first fully electric rough‑terrain forklift in AUSA’s product roadmap, signalling a strategic push to electrify across its entire portfolio.
AUSA’s C151E marks a bold step toward sustainable heavy equipment: a rugged, capable, and fast-charging electric rough-terrain forklift ready for the grid‑driven era of construction and industrial work. As the industry continues its green shift, machines like this are set to redefine operational standards.
