Liebherr mining truck prototype takes first drive powered by hydrogen

A hydrogen-powered Liebherr T 264 mining truck has reached the milestone of operating using hydrogen power for the very first time. The prototype has been developed together with Fortescue and uses hydrogen fuel cells for a zero-emission solution.

The truck, dubbed "Europa," contains a 1.6 MWh battery and 500 kW of fuel cells. It also has storage for more than 380 kilograms of liquid hydrogen. The first operation is a major step forward for both Liebherr and Fortescue on their paths toward zero-emission targets.

"With Europa soon moving to site, Liebherr and Fortescue have taken an important step closer to their common target of developing and building zero emission solutions for the mining industry that are both field proven and energy agnostic," explained Joerg Lukowski, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Liebherr Mining. "This success demonstrates the incredible capabilities of two Tier 1 companies working together to develop viable technologies today that can help the mining industry move towards a decarbonized future."

Fortescue and Liebherr established a partnership for development and supply of zero-emissions mining haul trucks in 2022. Liebherr began delivering the first of Fortescue's T 264 diesel-electric trucks in 2023, with the goal of those trucks being converted to zero-emission technology by the end of the decade.

 "Following the success of our battery electric haul truck prototype at site, we're thrilled to now have Europa up and running on hydrogen. This is a huge achievement for the team and brings Fortescue another step closer to having a fleet of zero-emission trucks at our sites by the end of this decade," said Dino Otranto, CEO of Fortescue Metals. "We're aiming to transport Europa to our mining operations within the coming weeks where it will then undergo further site-based testing and commissioning. The subsequent test results will inform our future fleet of zero-emissions trucks that we're delivering with Liebherr."