Liebherr diesel excavators converted to hydrogen

Hydrogen fuel cell system manufacturer Zepp.solutions has converted a pair of Liebherr 916 Litronic wheeled excavators from diesel to hydrogen-electric power.

One of the Liebherr excavators converted from diesel to hydrogen-electric power. Photo: zepp.solutions

The company says it is the first time it has undertaken such as conversion in the construction industry.

As well as the fuel cell system, the two machines have on board hydrogen storage systems, also developed by Zepp, which has previously provided hydrogen power technology to vehicle manufacturers, shipyards and OEMs.

Zepp said both machines have now undergone six months of testing in the field, via Dutch contracting company Jos Scholman – which already owned the diesel versions – with the conversion having no detrimental effect on their performance.

The kit used to convert the machines was developed by Dutch firm Terberg Techniek, which said the technology can be used to convert other construction equipment from diesel to hydrogen-electric powertrains.

Kevin Schreiber, co-founder of zepp.solutions, said, “We are thrilled to see our fuel cell systems being used in the conversion of these Liebherr excavators, and to play a role in helping the construction equipment sector reduce its carbon emissions.

“At zepp.solutions, we are committed to providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective fuel cell technology to a wide range of industries, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Terberg Techniek on future projects.”