Liebherr Hydrogen Excavator Wins Bauma Innovation Award

The Liebherr R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator has won the 2022 Bauma Innovation Award in the climate protection category.

Working on alternative drive solutions, Liebherr takes a technology-neutral approach. Hydrogen combustion engines are one technology being explored by the Group. The R 9XX H2 is Liebherr’s first hydrogen-powered crawler excavator. The prototype was developed by Liebherr-France SAS, based in Colmar, France. The machine is powered by an H966 hydrogen combustion engine. It was produced at Liebherr Machines Bulle SA, the Liebherr Group’s engine competence center in Fribourg, Switzerland.

In terms of power, dynamics, and responsiveness, the company says the R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator gives nothing away to any conventionally powered machine. Nor is it dependent on a continuous energy supply. The emissions make the difference: On a “tank to wheel” basis, i.e. when used on a construction site, a hydrogen excavator emits almost no CO2. “Cradle to grave,” or from production to decommissioning, CO2 emissions are 70 percent lower than those of comparable conventionally powered excavators. Suitable for use under extreme temperatures, shock, and high-dust conditions on construction sites, the 50 ton-operating-weight R 9XX H2 may offer a robust solution for future earthworks and quarrying applications.

The engine has six cylinders and uses port fuel injection (PFI), which Liebherr employs along with direct injection (DI) for its hydrogen engines. Liebherr’s components product segment plans to start with the series production of hydrogen motors by 2025.