HD Hyundai is preparing to unveil its production-ready HW155H hydrogen fuel cell powered wheeled excavator at the upcoming Bauma construction trade show. This is one of ten new or updated machines the company is rumored to be showcasing.
The timing is apt, as wheeled excavators are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Their versatility and maneuverability make them ideal for urban environments and various tasks, from digging and demolition to landscaping. This is especially true given the increasing focus on emissions regulations and noise pollution, particularly in residential areas.
Hyundai’s HW155H offers a quiet, zero-emission solution. Its hydrogen fuel cell system is said to provide 70 to 100 kW of power to electric motors, enabling up to eight hours of continuous operation on a single 20-minute hydrogen refill.
A static prototype of the HW155H was displayed at Bauma 2022, where HD Hyundai presented various calculations illustrating the potential benefits of hydrogen-powered excavators for construction fleets. The concept recently received the Platinum Prize at the 2024 LACP Inspire Awards, recognizing HD Hyundai’s commitment to ESG management. This follows other accolades, including the 2023 Presidential Award for Corporate Innovation and recognition as an ESG Leading Company in South Korea.
South Korea is a strong proponent of hydrogen fuel cell technology, with government support for its use in various applications, including semi-trucks, forklifts, and even military vehicles. However, while hydrogen holds promise for certain applications, it’s unlikely to become as widely adopted as battery power, especially in on-road vehicles.
Therefore, while the HW155H is generating excitement, the anticipated electric version, likely to be designated HW155E, is expected to be a more practical and widely adopted solution for most construction fleets.
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