Hydrogen Construction Equipment: Combustion Engines vs Fuel Cells
Hydrogen could power the heavy machines that batteries struggle with. Here is how hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells work, who is developing them and the practical hurdles.
Batteries work well for compact equipment, but large excavators, wheel loaders and haul trucks need far more energy than today's batteries can practically store. Hydrogen is one of the leading candidates to fill that gap.
Two ways to use hydrogen
Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE)
A modified engine burns hydrogen instead of diesel. The only significant exhaust products are water vapour and small amounts of nitrogen oxides. The big advantage is familiarity: the engine, cooling and drivetrain are similar to diesel machines, and the technology is robust in dirty, vibrating environments. JCB has developed hydrogen combustion engines for backhoes and telehandlers.
Hydrogen fuel cells
A fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, which drives electric motors. Fuel cells are efficient and emit only water, but they are expensive and sensitive to dust and vibration. Komatsu, Liebherr, Hyundai and others have shown fuel-cell prototypes.
The challenges
- Fuel supply: hydrogen refuelling on construction sites is rare. Mobile refuellers and tube trailers are being trialled.
- Storage: hydrogen is stored at high pressure (typically 350–700 bar) or as a cryogenic liquid; tanks are bulky.
- Cost: green hydrogen made with renewable electricity is still expensive.
- Regulation and approvals for on-road transport and site use.
Where hydrogen may fit first
Large machines with high, continuous energy use and regular refuelling points: quarries, mines, ports and long-term infrastructure projects.
Compare with battery options in our electric equipment guide.
