Germany Bauma 2025: Hyundai HW155H Hydrogen Excavator Set to Impress

Hyundai Construction Equipment is gearing up to showcase its groundbreaking HW155H hydrogen fuel cell-powered wheeled excavator at Bauma 2025 in Munich. This marks a major leap towards zero-emission construction, as Hyundai demonstrates the potential of hydrogen technology in heavy machinery. Unlike its static appearance at Bauma 2022, this year’s event will feature the HW155H in full operational mode within the demonstration area, offering visitors a firsthand look at the future of eco-friendly construction.

The HW155H hydrogen excavator operates using a fuel cell system that generates electricity by combining hydrogen stored onboard with oxygen from the air. This chemical reaction produces power with only water vapor as its byproduct. The energy generated then drives the excavator’s electric motors and hydraulic pumps, ensuring smooth and efficient operation while completely eliminating carbon emissions.

This innovative machine is the result of a collaboration between Hyundai Construction Equipment and Hyundai Motor Company, a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology. The HW155H integrates fuel cells that produce between 70-100kW of power, created by combining two modules of 30kW and 50kW. This scalable fuel cell solution is also adaptable for use in other industrial equipment, such as forklifts and emergency generators.

Designed as a 15-tonne wheeled excavator, the HW155H balances both on-road and off-road capabilities, making it a prime candidate for hydrogen-powered applications. It boasts an onboard hydrogen storage system that supports eight hours of continuous operation, with refueling taking as little as 10-20 minutes. Hyundai has developed an innovative low-pressure hydrogen storage solution, allowing for high-density fuel storage while optimizing machine space and reducing refill times. This state-of-the-art system is a game-changer for construction sites, providing extended autonomy with enhanced safety features.

Safety remains a priority in Hyundai’s hydrogen technology. Hydrogen has a significantly higher auto-ignition temperature than diesel or gasoline, reducing fire risks. Additionally, being 14 times lighter than air, hydrogen quickly disperses into the atmosphere in case of leaks, minimizing potential hazards. These factors make it a highly viable alternative fuel for the construction industry.

The HW155H delivers comparable power and operational speed to its diesel-powered counterparts, ensuring contractors do not have to compromise performance for sustainability. Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell technology, combined with advanced electric motor integration, guarantees a seamless transition to cleaner energy solutions. The Bauma demonstration will also feature a mobile refueling station, proving that hydrogen refueling infrastructure is becoming a practical reality for European construction sites.

As global pressure mounts on the construction sector to reduce environmental impact, Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered HW155H represents a tangible solution to the industry's sustainability challenges. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, long operational hours, and quick refueling ensures that hydrogen power is a serious contender for future heavy equipment applications.

The HW155H is also a strong candidate for the prestigious Bauma 2025 Innovation Awards, competing in the Climate Protection category. As Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered wheeled excavator takes center stage, it is set to be one of the most talked-about innovations at the event. The future of zero-emission construction is unfolding, and Hyundai Construction Equipment is leading the charge.

Fulian Operation Team

2025.3.23