HD Hyundai announced plans to debut a production-ready version of its hydrogen fuel cell-powered HW155H 14-ton wheeled excavator at the Bauma construction trade show, marking a significant step in its push to meet global demand for zero-emission construction equipment. The excavator is among ten updated or new machines the South Korean firm is expected to showcase at the event.
The HW155H, first introduced as a concept at Bauma 2022, is designed to address tightening emissions regulations and noise concerns in urban environments. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, it delivers 70 to 100 kW of power to electric motors, enabling up to eight hours of continuous operation on a 20-minute refill, according to the company. Wheeled excavators like the HW155H are increasingly favored for their versatility in tasks ranging from digging to demolition, as well as their ability to navigate densely populated areas with minimal noise and emissions.
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The concept version of the HW155H recently won the Platinum Prize at the 2024 LACP Inspire Awards, a recognition that underscores HD Hyundai’s focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The company has also been honored with South Korea’s Presidential Award for Corporate Innovation and named an ESG Leading Company by the Korea Institute of Corporate Governance and Sustainability.
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“Municipalities are prioritizing cleaner, quieter equipment to comply with environmental standards and community demands,” HD Hyundai noted in a statement, alluding to growing regulatory pressure and public sensitivity to noise pollution from traditional diesel-powered machinery.
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The hydrogen excavator’s development aligns with a broader industry shift toward sustainable construction technologies. While HD Hyundai’s initial 2022 calculations about the HW155H’s potential impact drew mixed scrutiny, the production model’s certification and awards signal advancing credibility in hydrogen applications for heavy machinery.
The Bauma exhibition, a key platform for construction innovation, will provide HD Hyundai an opportunity to demonstrate the HW155H’s operational readiness amid rising global interest in hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels. Competitors and municipalities alike are closely watching the sector’s progress in balancing performance with decarbonization goals.