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.

Вас также может заинтересовать

22.09.2026
Press releases
World premiere at InnoTrans: Liebherr is showcasing the RE 22 M railroad excavator for the first time
At InnoTrans 2026, Liebherr will unveil its new railroad excavator for the first time: the RE 22 M Litronic. This model expands the existing range to include a machine in the 22-tonne class with hydrostatic rail-wheel drive and is the successor to the A 922 Rail and A 924 Rail. The machine combines tried-and-tested components from the A 922 Rail with a newly developed undercarriage and a new operator's cab.
21.09.2026
Press releases
Liebherr – a reliable partner at InnoTrans 2026
At InnoTrans running in Berlin (Germany) from September 22 to 25 2026, Liebherr is presenting solutions from the transportation systems and rail-road excavators product areas. The Group will be displaying its exhibits at booth O/170 in the outdoor area. The Group’s appearance at the exhibition is focused not only on products, but also on topics such as partnership and its joint efforts with customers to actively shape the future.
16.09.2026
Press releases
From dust to top performance: Liebherr impresses at the České Štěrkopísky gravel plant
Dust, demanding operating conditions and extreme material loads: at the sand and gravel pit near Velká Černoc, Liebherr wheel loaders and mining trucks are demonstrating their full capabilities. Abrasive sand, uneven tracks and demanding multi-shift operation place the highest demands on both man and machine. It is not just performance that is crucial here – above all, robustness, reliability and efficient coordination between all machines are essential.