bauma brought together machinery makers and component experts to show modern, efficient mobile design options.
Bauma 2025, held recently in Munich, confirmed its reputation as the world’s premier construction-equipment exhibition. More than 600,000 visitors from 200 countries showed up to see the latest offerings from 3,601 exhibitors. The emphasis was on new machines, with a focus on sustainability and productivity — including those powered by alternative drives and fuels — and on digitally controlled systems that aid operator productivity or eliminate the driver altogether. Here are just a few of the new introductions.
1. Emissions-free aerial lifts
With construction being one of the major contributors to carbon emissions worldwide, the push for contractors to adopt decarbonizing measures is becoming critical. The question is how to effectively adopt zero-emission technologies for construction, particularly in settings where charging infrastructure is scarce.
Without adequate charging options, many construction projects may rely on diesel-powered MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms) or resort to charging electric MEWPs using diesel or hybrid generators, all of which significantly contribute to CO2 and particulate emissions, and noise pollution.
Niftylift has addressed this challenge by introducing the SP50 H2E Hydrogen-Electric aerial lift at bauma. The machine, according to company officials, is a revolutionary MEWP designed for zero-emission operation using hydrogen fuel.
Powered by an onboard hydrogen fuel cell, it offers:
- Zero-emission operation, emitting only water vapor.
- Extended runtime, even in areas without charging facilities.
- High efficiency, combining hydrogen power with an advanced all-electric drive.
- Simple hydrogen fuel bottle replacement.
Niftylift’s H2E system, powered by a single G20 Hydrogen bottle, fully charges the batteries. The G20 bottle is easy to swap and provides a clean, consistent, on-site solution for long-term use, and helps achieve operational net-zero goals.
The self-propelled SP50E, with an all-electric drive and hydrogen fuel cell technology, can run for over five days on a single charge, according to Niftylift. Aligned with the company’s other all-electric models, this pioneering technology allows for uninterrupted zero-emission operations, even without access to charging stations.
2. Hydrogen-powered prototype
Hyundai Construction Equipment’s bauma exhibit included a preproduction version of the manufacturer’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered HW155H 5-ton wheeled excavator. The company’s aim was to showcase its innovative fuel cell technology for carbon-free operation.
A single hydrogen fuel cell delivers 90 kW of power which is sent to the electric drive motors and electrically driven hydraulic pumps. Onboard fuel H2 fuel capacity reportedly supports up to 12 hours of operation, while refueling takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
The advanced low-pressure, high-density hydrogen storage system offers sizable capacity while improving safety. Developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Co., the HW155H demonstrates all-day usability, safety, and sustainability while maintaining the performance of a diesel-powered machine. With mobile refueling options, Hyundai aims to make hydrogen a viable energy source for construction projects worldwide.
3. Hydrogen combustion
While the construction industry increasingly looks to switch from traditional diesel engines to more environmentally friendly drives, the central question is always how the energy gets to the construction site and into the machine, according to Hitachi Construction officials.
The company, in a joint venture with Kiesel Technology, is looking to meet the challenge by offering a range of zero-emission excavators. Nine models were showcased at bauma, mostly battery-electric machines sized from 1.7 to 14 tons.
However, one of the excavators, the ZE300 H2, offers a different route by showcasing the potential of hydrogen as an alternative clean fuel. This 30-ton concept excavator is groundbreaking and has been designed for heavy-duty work in environmentally sensitive areas, said Hitachi officials.
The hydrogen engine is supplied by Deutz and hydrogen storage is integrated into the rear of the ZE300, replacing the counterweight. This allows for easy access to the engine compartment for maintenance and rapid refueling.
The Deutz TCG 7.8 H2 hydrogen combustion engine is based on the established TCD 7.8 diesel engine. It is just as powerful, durable, and reliable, said the company.
Engine efficiency depends largely on its design. For the H2 hydrogen engine, Deutz engineers specifically analyzed the injection system components to ensure that they meet requirements for use in off-highway applications. The outcome is a sophisticated technological solution that enables drives operation in commercial vehicles. With hydrogen engines, however, there is a possibility that NOx emissions could spike in isolated operating states. In this case, most NOx emissions are eliminated through the use of an after-treatment system.
The company said the engine offers excellent energy efficiency combined with high dynamic response, while maximizing the power and flexibility to suit customers’ applications. Max rated power is 220 kW (2,200 rpm) with max torque of 1,000 Nm (1,400-1,600 rpm). H2 consumption is about 19 kg/hr at max power.
4. Electrics go big and small
While numerous alternatives to diesel machines could be found throughout bauma, one machine was hard to miss: Komatsu’s electrically powered PC7000-11E hydraulic mining excavator. Towering about 60 ft high with an operating weight of 750 tons and a bucket capacity of 50 yd³, the machine is said to offer the powerful digging force of high-performance diesel machines with a lower carbon footprint.
The PC7000-11E matches well with the company’s range of large mining trucks, reducing truck passes and increasing efficiency and productivity of mining operations.
Aligned with Komatsu’s sustainability focus, the electric drive is designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% compared to its diesel counterpart. Benefits of electrically powered hydraulic mining excavators include reduced operating costs, elimination of diesel fuel, and significant reduction in parts and maintenance costs, resulting in up to 50% savings in the total cost of ownership compared to conventional Tier 4 diesel drives.
A fully automatic cable drum is designed for efficient operation of the electrically driven excavator. Automatic cable winding makes maneuvering in the pit safer and easier. Simplified electric machine control enables fast troubleshooting and maintenance of the electrical system, resulting in increased overall availability of the machine.
Like most everything on this massive machine, the hydraulics are impressive. Two gearboxes each drive three identical pumps with rated flow of 1,640 gpm at a relief valve setting of 4,495 psi. Swing flow rate is 273 gpm.
The four-circuit system features a load-limiting governor with oil delivery summation to the working circuits and incorporates pressure cut-off control. Hydropilot prioritizes hydraulic flow giving smooth hydraulic response, simple hydraulic system layout, and fewer components.
According to Komatsu, the growing demand for decarbonization in the mining industry has many customers setting ambitious greenhouse gas (ghg) reduction targets. Electrified excavators deliver the same mobility, power, and productivity as diesel machines, while helping users meet their emissions goals. By combining operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, electrified equipment such as the PC7000-11E plays a vital role in driving the mining industry’s transition to more sustainable practices.
At the other end of the spectrum, Komatsu presented three new electric mini excavators in live demo at bauma 2025, the PC20E, PC26E, and PC33E. (All three could fit in the bucket of a PC7000-11E excavator.) The smallest, a two-ton machine, is powered by an 11.8 kW electric motor and a 23.2 kWh battery pack. It can fast-charge in 1.8 hr with a 400 V external dc charger.
“Komatsu is committed to developing innovative and sustainable technologies that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Emanuele Viel, Group Manager for the Utility line at Komatsu Europe. “The new electric mini excavators are a confirmation of this ongoing commitment, offering zero emissions operation without compromising on performance.
“Komatsu set a challenging target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, which means virtually eliminating CO2 emissions not only from our own sites and from the use of our products, but also from customers’ sites. Komatsu aims to meet the needs of our customers by introducing a diverse range of electrified construction equipment.”
5. World-first electric articulated haulers
Breaking new ground in electrification, Volvo Construction Equipment introduced the powerful A30 Electric and A40 Electric – the world’s first serial-produced battery-electric articulated haulers of their size.
Offering the same off-road performance as conventional models, the two new machines match zero emissions with world-class hauling for a range of segments including quarrying, mining and construction. With a payload of 29 tons and 39 tons respectively, these machines are now among the largest in Volvo CE’s electric portfolio.
Mats Sköldberg, Head of Technology for Volvo CE, said “These electric haulers mark a major step forward in our ambition to decarbonize construction, combining the same unbeatable performance our customers know and love, with a more sustainable operation. As the world’s first battery powered articulated haulers of their size class, we are proud to continue to evolve our portfolio by bringing our world-class electric technology into a brand-new segment.”
Relying on lithium-ion batteries, the electric haulers are designed to offer a runtime of 4 to 4.5 hours across most applications, though high-energy jobs may require more frequent recharging. Ideal applications include downhill load carrying and uphill empty runs, tunnel work, and quarries and underground operations where emission reduction is critical.
Fast charging from 20-80% in around one hour is possible when using dc charging with a 350 kW maximum capacity. And when powered by renewable energy, said the company, these machines offer a CO2 saving of 84% (for the A30 Electric) and 90% (for the A40 Electric) across their entire lifecycle, when compared to their diesel equivalents.
These electric models include advanced operator support systems to reduce accident risk, improved visibility for safer operation and simplified servicing for quicker and easier maintenance. The integrated Co-Pilot display offers easy control over cameras and machine status, while the dynamic instrument cluster provides key data such as charging status, machine hours and energy consumption.
The electric haulers were among Volvo’s zero-emission-only lineup at bauma. In addition to the electric artics, highlights on display included revamped electric excavators, mobile charging stations, the new EWR150 Electric, the company’s first battery-powered wheeled excavator, and the EW240 Electric Material Handler grid-connected excavator.
6. Expanded zero-emission series
One focus of Wacker Neuson at bauma was the consistent expansion of its zero-emission product portfolio. The company offers a wider range of dumpers, excavators, rollers, telehandlers compactors and wheel loaders. The ultimate goal is to operate an entire construction site without direct exhaust emissions.
One first is the new E-wheel loader WL300e, which expands the portfolio of compact electric wheel loaders. The unit’s built-in 48-V lithium-ion battery is available in three power levels, so that running and charging times can be optimally adapted to work requirements.
The WL300e operates completely exhaust-free and with significantly lower noise emissions versus IC versions. For the user, this means greater flexibility, environmental protection and significant savings in operating costs, according to company officials.
Battery size depends on the application and intended use. Standard maintenance-free battery is 14.1 kWh, and optional 18.7 kWh and 23.4 kWh versions are available. A 3 kW onboard charger is installed as standard. A second 3 kW charger can be added to increase charging power for fast-charging medium and large batteries.
The machine has a 6.5 kW traction electric drive with a max speed of 15 kmh. An 8.5 kW electric motor powers the working hydraulics providing max flow of 36 lpm and 225 bar max pressure. A single steering cylinder handles the hydraulically activated articulated pendulum steering for an oscillating angle of ±10 degrees.
The machine can be equipped with rear hydraulic connections (single or double-acting). This increases the machine’s range of applications through rear hydraulic attachments or tipper trailers. Thanks to a hydraulic quick-hitch system, attachments like lift forks, mowers, brushes, and snowplows can be readily exchanged.
Lifting arm damping can be activated electrically to enhance safety and comfort for the operator. The feature provides optimum machine handling on rough terrain and when traveling on roads. It’s especially useful when moving a loaded bucket or heavy attachment over a long distance at high speeds.
7. Rotating backhoe cab
Backhoe loaders have been best-sellers due to their ability to load and dig with just one machine. Yet switching between these functions can be taxing, especially when performed dozens of times a day. Mecalac‘s Revo990 is said to revolutionize the operator experience with a rotating cab, eliminating the hassle and providing a seamless changeover.
Since their creation in the 1950s, backhoe loaders are based on a traditional tractor design fitted with a loader arm at the front and an excavator boom at the rear. This means the operator must turn around to switch from one function to the other, and that forces operators to perform a long sequence of tasks just to turn the seat.
According to Mecalac, the process is slow, interrupting operations and degrading the machine’s fast-cycle capabilities. Operators cannot drive the machine in digging mode: when facing the excavator end, they have no access to the steering wheel and pedals. Further, direct visibility on the tool is hindered when using the boom angled to the side
To address these issues, Mecalac redesigned the architecture to shift the burden from operator to technology. Its innovative design merges the operator and cockpit, rotating as one to enhance performance, comfort, and safety.
The Revo990 functions as a high-reach excavator and a powerful loader, seamlessly transitioning between the two functions in just a few seconds, thanks to its one-touch seamless cab rotation. This groundbreaking feature lets operators maintain optimal posture when swinging from one function to the other, significantly minimizing the risk of back and neck strain caused by uncomfortable twisting.
Also, the Revo990 backhoe’s rotating cab offers an unparalleled view of the jobsite and ongoing operations. Unlike traditional solutions with limited two-way visibility, the Revo990 provides almost infinite cab positioning, allowing for clear sightlines in every direction.
For example, while digging trenches, the Revo990 lets operators reposition the machine to continue digging further along the trench without having to stop to turn the seat and switch to loader mode or to push themselves forward awkwardly with the backhoe. All driving controls remain within reach whatever the mode, streamlining movement and eliminating interruptions. It is even possible to maneuver with the cab positioned at a 90-degree angle, making it ideal for tasks alongside roads, such as ditch cleaning. This enhanced visibility lets operators work more efficiently and stay focused on the task at hand.
