Hyundai Construction Equipment will present various machines and operating solutions at this year’s bauma, including its HW155H hydrogen fuel cell-powered wheel excavator concept – which will be working on the demonstration area of the event. The pre-production machine was first seen as a static exhibit at the last bauma in 2022.

The hydrogen excavator concept will be a highlight at Hyundai’s booth, as this latest version now moves closer to production reality. It is currently in the running for a place among the top three nominees for bauma 2025’s Innovation Awards, in the Climate Protection category.

A hydrogen fuel cell uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen that is carried on board and oxygen in the atmosphere, to generate electricity, with the only emission being water vapour. The fuel cell delivers power on demand to drive the machine, either though electric motors, or via electrically-driven hydraulic pumps.

The project to develop a fuel cell for the HW155H has been a cooperation between Hyundai CE and Hyundai Motor Company, which has a range of powertrain solutions available in the passenger car and utility vehicle markets. Two cells have been designed, creating 30 kW and 50 kW of power, with the HW155H using a combination of fuel cells to provide 70-100 kW of power. These fuel cells would suit a range of machines, including the wheel excavator, fork lift trucks and emergency generators.

The HW155H is a 15-t wheel excavator that combines on and off-road capabilities, making it an ideal choice for hydrogen power. The machine uses the fuel cell to power an electric motor, which then drives the hydraulic system. The hydrogen storage on-board has the capacity to allow a full eight hours of operation, with refuelling taking between 10-20 minutes.

Hyundai has also developed a world-first, innovative low pressure hydrogen storage solution that offers high density storage for extended operating autonomy. This will make the use of hydrogen an acceptable solution for infrastructure, civil engineering and building projects across the world.

The high-density, solid state storage system will double the capacity of a conventional hydrogen tank, using a considerably lower filling pressure. This will optimise space within the machine, reduce fill times and improve safety on site.

The HW155H will meet the needs of a wide range of construction customers, delivering an operating speed and power similar to that of a conventional diesel-powered excavator, with all-day useability.

Booth: FM.913