Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe has been awarded second place in the coveted Bauma 2025 Innovation Award in the Climate Protection category. The award recognises the potential environmental contribution of Hyundai’s HW155H hydrogen fuel cell powered wheeled excavator concept, which was a stand-out star throughout the show in Munich in April.

The HW155H provides a clear direction of travel for construction machinery powered by clean hydrogen fuel cell technology. Developed in cooperation with Hyundai Motor Company, a leader in the fuel cell field, the machine is equipped with a single fuel cell that creates 90kW of electrical energy. This powers an electric motor, that in turn drives the machine’s hydraulic system.

As well as demonstrating how a hydrogen fuel cell can be used to power construction machinery, Hyundai unveiled a ground-breaking high-density metal hydride solid hydrogen storage system. This low-pressure storage solution provides the machine with up to 12 hours of operating autonomy and can be refuelled in a similar time to a conventional diesel tank.

Alongside the HW155H, Hyundai also demonstrated a hydrogen refuelling solution, based on a hydrogen fuel-cell powered road going truck. Capable of refilling multiple construction machines at the same time, this mobile refueler showed customers how the technology could be easily adopted on remote construction projects. 

The construction industry is facing growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact and, with the HW155H and its refuelling solution, Hyundai Construction Equipment has demonstrated the feasibility and viability of hydrogen use within its machinery, paving the way to a more sustainable future.

“We are delighted that the Bauma judging panel has recognised the potential of our hydrogen fuel cell technology and the part that the HW155H and other machinery will be able to play in delivering a zero-carbon solution for construction sites across Europe,” said Peter Sebold, Product Manager at Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe.

“To actually have the HW155H and the hydrogen refuelling truck operating on our stand at the Bauma fair was a massive attraction for visitors, while customers and dealers were fascinated to see how this emerging technology could play a vital role in the construction equipment of tomorrow.”