Manitou Group has presented its first prototype telehandler running on green hydrogen. By kitting its test center out with a green hydrogen station, Manitou now has the means for testing its brand-new prototype telehandler. The first step of this plan involves guaranteeing range and reliability in real-life conditions, while testing the durability of components. Manitou based its first prototype on an existing model from its range of construction machines, capable of lifting loads up to 14 m. This machine will be tested and sent out to construction sites by the end of 2023 with a view to collecting feedback from users to develop this prototype.
Two types of hydrogen technology are currently being evaluated by the market, namely the combustion engine and the fuel cell. Manitou’s first prototype is built around a fuel cell, but the company will choose the hydrogen solutions that best meet the needs of its customers.
“We are studying all the hydrogen-related technologies based on what users need. This prototype is only the first step. A second rotating telehandler prototype will be developed in the coming months. There are many benefits of green hydrogen with production possible using wind power that has no greenhouse gas emissions at all. This fits in perfectly with our low-carbon trajectory,” said Michel Denis, managing director of the Manitou Group.
“The green hydrogen sector is gradually becoming more established with the entry onto this market of a number of players. All of the aid mechanisms proposed by the different governments will encourage the transition to hydrogen, and will speed up the development of the distribution network and ultimately the reduction in the usage costs of our machines using this energy,” said Julien Waechter, vice president of research and development at Manitou Group.
With these new facilities, Manitou Group hopes to offer its customers new prospects, with a 100% hydrogen-powered telehandler available on the market by 2026.