Hyundai to show off hydrogen-powered digger at Bauma 2025

Hyundai Construction Equipment is wheeling out its HW155H hydrogen-powered excavator at Bauma 2025, this time with a bit more to prove.

After standing still as a static exhibit in 2022, the 15-tonne machine is now ready to move under its own power.

Hydrogen-powered wheeled excavator

The HW155H is powered by a contemporary hydrogen fuel cell, producing between 70 and 100 kW to keep its electric motors and hydraulic pumps in action.

That gives it up to eight hours of runtime per tank, with only 20 minutes needed in between for a top-up. Just enough time for a bacon sarnie – though probably best to keep the rollie well away from the hydrogen.

To address the ever-present question of hydrogen availability, Hyundai is also introducing a low-pressure ‘hydrogen distribution vehicle’ to bring the carbon-free fuel directly to site where it’s needed.

Bauma 2025: Alternative fuels on the agenda

Bauma remains the place where manufacturers roll out their latest machinery, technology, and bold claims.

Alternative power solutions will be a key theme at Bauma 2025, reflecting the wider shift in the construction industry toward lower-emission machinery.

The event will highlight a range of technologies, from battery-electric equipment to hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells, as manufacturers seek viable paths to reducing carbon emissions on construction sites.

While battery-electric solutions continue to gain traction, they remain best suited for compact machinery with predictable energy demands.

For larger and more power-intensive applications, hydrogen is emerging as the practical alternative, either through combustion engines or fuel cells.

Hyundai’s HW155H falls into the latter category, demonstrating how fuel cell technology can power mid-sized excavators while maintaining productivity through speedy refuelling times.

Innovation Award nomination

The HW155H has been shortlisted for the Bauma 2025 Innovation Award in the Climate Protection category, thanks to its potential to lower emissions on construction sites.

With ever-tighter regulations looming, manufacturers are racing to find alternatives to diesel that don’t compromise productivity.

Alongside the digger, Hyundai will showcase a range of storage and refuelling solutions developed with Hyundai Motor Company, including a clever solid-state hydrogen storage system that claims to double tank capacity while operating at lower pressures – an important improvement as hydrogen continues to become more mainstream.

Hydrogen heavy machinery

Hyundai isn’t alone in its hydrogen push. Liebherr is exploring hydrogen combustion engines, JCB’s are going on sale in Europe soon, Komatsu is testing fuel cell-powered dump trucks, and the wider industry is still weighing up the best way forward.

The biggest challenge? As always: infrastructure. Without significant investment in hydrogen production and distribution, even the most promising machines will struggle to find their place.

Bauma 2025 will be a key moment for Hyundai to prove the HW155H isn’t just an interesting idea but a viable, working machine.