Dutch company Zepp.solutions has delivered two H₂ storage and Y50 fuel cell systems to Terberg Techniek. The systems have been used in the conversion of two Liebherr 916 Litronic wheeled excavators from diesel to H₂-electric by the vehicle modification specialist. These H₂ excavators mark the first application of Zepp's fuel cell systems in the construction equipment industry.

The two excavators, both owned by Dutch contracting company Jos Scholman, have undergone six months of operational testing. The results show that the excavators are reliable and perform as expected, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional diesel-powered models as they produce no emissions other than water. Both the fuel cell system and onboard H₂ storage system were developed by Zepp.solutions.

Serving the wider construction sector

Terberg Techniek developed a conversion kit surrounding Zepp’s fuel cell systems. Use of this kit is not limited to this type of excavator, Terberg Techniek also plans to use it to convert other construction equipment from a diesel to a H₂-electric powertrain.

H₂ is gaining popularity in the construction equipment industry due to increasingly restrictive regulations on local emissions, such as CO₂, noise, particulate matter, and especially nitrous oxide. Using zero-emission machinery allows contractors to bid on projects in urban or environmentally sensitive areas that may have previously been out of reach with traditional equipment. H₂ fuel cells provide a reliable and consistent power source for construction equipment, allowing for longer periods of operation and fewer interruptions for refueling or recharging compared to battery-powered alternatives.

Ongoing collaboration

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."

Multi-purpose system

Zepp.solutions' Y50 fuel cell systems have been gaining traction in the material handling and maritime sectors with several original equipment manufacturers and retrofitters using Zepp’s systems for their projects. A recent example is the Watertaxi in Rotterdam which was christened in May. The Liebherr conversion project by Terberg Techniek marks the first application of zepp's fuel cell systems in the construction equipment sector.