In a gravel pit near Munich, a Liebherr wheel loader is loading MAN and Daimler trucks. It looks like a typical scene, but there's one big difference: all three machines run on hydrogen. This real-world demonstration shows that low-carbon construction sites are already up and running for heavy-duty use.
The Liebherr L 566 H loader, a prototype equipped with a hydrogen engine, works alongside the MAN hTGX series truck and a Daimler Truck prototype based on the Mercedes-Benz Arocs. Together, they carry out earthmoving and transport operations without compromising on performance or availability, with refueling times comparable to those of diesel.
This initiative is part of the Hydrogen Engine Alliance, which brings together several industrial players with a shared ambition: to develop solutions suitable for heavy-duty vehicles and long periods of use. Robust and storable in large quantities, hydrogen appears to be a relevant option for these demanding applications, particularly when produced from renewable sources.
While some machines are still at the prototype stage, others are already available in small series. Real-world testing confirms that hydrogen can be integrated into construction sites today. Its large-scale deployment will now depend on the development of infrastructure and an appropriate economic framework.
