Car Elevator Specifications and How to Choose
Compiled from the specifications and installation records of a hydraulic car elevator manufacturer.
Car elevator specifications
| Rated load | 3,000 kg | 4,000 kg | 5,000 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. rated speed | 9–32.4 m/min | 9–31.98 m/min | 9–30.9 m/min |
| Max. travel | 26 m | 26 m | 26 m |
| Roping | 2:1 | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Car inside width | 2,500–3,000 mm | 2,500–3,100 mm | 2,500–3,200 mm |
| Car inside depth | 5,200–6,300 mm | 5,200–6,400 mm | 5,200–5,500 mm |
| Car entrance height | 1,800–3,000 mm | 1,800–3,000 mm | 1,800–3,000 mm |
| Landing entrance width | 2,500–3,000 mm | 2,500–3,100 mm | 2,500–3,200 mm |
| Landing entrance height | 1,800–3,000 mm | 1,800–3,000 mm | 1,800–3,000 mm |
| Door operation | Automatic power-operated | Automatic power-operated | Automatic power-operated |
| Car door lock | Applied | Applied | Applied |
| Door safety device | Non-contact | Non-contact | Non-contact |
The full table, including freight elevators, is under Elevator/Lift Specifications. The table starts at 3,000 kg, but our remodeling records also include 2.0 t and 2.5 t car elevators.
Real installations (14 car elevator remodeling projects)
| Year | Site | Load (floors served) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 천혜빌딩 (Ansan) | 2.5 t (3 floors) | 16 m/min |
| 2024 | 쌍용프라자 (Seoul) | 3.0 t (3 floors) | 20 m/min |
| 2024 | (주)텔레트론 (Anyang) | 3.0 t (3 floors) | 20 m/min |
| 2024 | 청원빌딩 (Seoul) | 3.0 t (2 floors) | 19 m/min |
| 2024 | 서경백화점 (Incheon) | 3.0 t (2 floors) | 19 m/min |
| 2024 | 두암빌딩 (Seoul) | 2.0 t (3 floors), 2 units | 15 m/min |
| 2024 | 신월4동 민자유치주차장 (Seoul) | 2.5 t (3 floors), 2 units | 19 m/min |
| 2024 | 동익프라자 (Cheongju) | 2.5 t (3 floors) | 19 m/min |
| 2023 | 우리은행 일산중앙금융센터 (Goyang) | 2.5 t (3 floors) | 19 m/min |
| 2023 | 관보쇼핑센타 (Seongnam) | 3.0 t (3 floors), 2 units | 30 m/min |
| 2023 | 서초안빌딩 (Seoul) | 3.0 t (2 floors) | 18 m/min |
| 2022 | 금영빌딩 | 2.0 t (3 floors / 2 stops, single entrance) | 20 m/min |
| 2022 | 백조식관 (Seosan) | 2.0 t (2 floors / 2 stops, Z-through) | — |
| 2022 | 세일빌딩 (Seoul) | 2.5 t (through) | 18 m/min |
Of the 14 projects, six were 3.0 t, five were 2.5 t and three were 2.0 t; most serve 2–3 floors at 15–30 m/min. 두암빌딩, the 신월4동 parking garage and 관보쇼핑센타 each have two units.
What to check when choosing
- Rated load: match it to the weight of the vehicles. 2.0–3.0 t was the most common in our records.
- Car size: set it by vehicle length and width. In our specification the inside car depth starts at 5,200 mm.
- Entrance arrangement: drive in and out on one side, or drive through front to rear.
- Floors and travel: the maximum travel is 26 m.
- Speed: maximum 30.9–32.4 m/min depending on load.
- Number of units: sites with heavy vehicle traffic sometimes install two.
Why existing buildings and car parks often choose hydraulic
According to Donam Engineering's data, a hydraulic elevator needs no reinforcement of the building's upper structure, its machine room can be placed to suit the building, and it costs about 15–20% less to install than a traction elevator. It is especially efficient for heavy loads. See Hydraulic vs. traction elevators for the comparison and Remodeling for replacement work.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity does a car elevator need?
It depends on vehicle weight and car size. Our 14 car elevator remodeling projects in 2022–2025 were three 2.0 t, five 2.5 t and six 3.0 t.
How many floors can it serve?
The maximum travel is 26 m. Most of our installations serve 2–3 floors.
Can an old car elevator be replaced?
Yes. All the projects above replaced existing elevators. Tell us the current load, floors and years in service and we will advise.
Car elevator quote
Tell us the rated load, floors, entrance arrangement and whether it is new or a remodel, and we will reply quickly.
Based on Donam Engineering's elevator specifications, advantages of hydraulic elevators and remodeling records (2022–2025). Written October 2026.