Listicles | 29/06/2026

Wheel loaders in focus: 5 features that set the L 566 H hydrogen-powered wheel loader apart

With the L 566 H, Liebherr engineers are pioneering a new approach to large wheel loader propulsion: a hydrogen-powered combustion engine. Showcased at Bauma 2025 and other industry events, the prototype demonstrates how proven machine performance can be paired with an alternative energy source to deliver high levels of power, efficiency and productivity.

But what makes the hydrogen-powered wheel loader different, and what benefits does it offer? Here’s an overview of its five key features.

Consistent performance even under demanding conditions. ©STRABAG/Stefan Bock

1. Maximum power for large wheel loaders

Tests carried out by Liebherr show that hydrogen is particularly well suited to larger machines weighing up to 40 tonnes. The hydrogen engine developed by Liebherr efficiently delivers large amounts of energy and impresses with its high performance and robustness. As a result, the L 566 H matches the performance of its diesel-powered counterpart.

After a quick ‘pit stop’, the L 566 H is quickly ready for action again.

2. Refuelled in a matter of minutes – ready for the next shift

Reliable energy supply: The L 566 H can cover an entire work shift and is then back in operation in just 10 to 15 minutes. Refuelling is carried out via a stationary H₂ refuelling station or mobile refuelling solutions. This ensures a high degree of flexibility – above all on construction sites without extensive infrastructure.

Tried-and-tested drive concept with a different Liebherr engine.

3. Tried-and-tested drive concept with a different engine

The hydrogen wheel loader is based on the tried-and-tested XPower machine concept and utilises its proven technology. Consequently, the L 566 H also features the power-split XPower drive system. For operators, this means proven reliability with a different Liebherr engine. The hydrogen engine is developed at Liebherr’s own engine plant within the Components division in Bulle (Switzerland) and, just like the diesel engine, is fully integrated into the machine concept – a benefit in terms of efficiency, quality and service.

Designed for heavy-duty applications: the L 566 H performs impressively even under demanding conditions. ©STRABAG/Martin Anger

4. Reliable even under the toughest conditions

Thanks to its robust components and high storage capacity, the hydrogen-powered drive is especially well-suited to demanding applications such as those in gravel pits or quarries. The construction company STRABAG is currently putting the L 566 H through its paces in a multi-year trial at the Kanzelstein quarry in Gratkorn. Such trial operations provide valuable insights for further development in the field of hydrogen-powered drives.

Significantly reduces emissions – without compromising performance.

5. Virtually emission-free in operation

When powered by green hydrogen – derived, for example, from wind, hydro or solar energy – the engine operates CO₂-free and with virtually no nitrogen oxides. The L 566 H thus combines high performance with significantly lower emissions. For operators, this opens up the possibility of making construction sites more sustainable – without compromising on efficiency or operational flexibility.

As part of its technology-neutral approach, Liebherr is already demonstrating with the L 566 H in real-world applications that hydrogen propulsion systems can be a powerful, reliable and efficient drive option for larger construction machinery.