Manitou Group has presented a roadmap for research and development on hydrogen-powered machines as part of its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 34 per hour of use of its machines by 2030.
Following on from the recent electrification of its all-terrain platform and telehandler ranges, the group is now looking to hydrogen as a medium-term alternative for its users. Manitou wants to see its electric and hydrogen ranges side by side depending on each user’s applications, with a target of 43 per cent low-emissions products marketed in 2030.
The group has installed a green hydrogen station at its test centre and now has the means for testing its brand new prototype hydrogen telehandler, which is based on an existing model from its range of construction machines, capable of lifting loads up to 14m. This machine will be tested and sent out to construction sites by the end of 2023 with a view to collecting valuable feedback from users to improve on this prototype.
Two types of hydrogen technology are currently being evaluated by the market: internal combustion engines and fuel cells. The group’s first prototype has been built around a fuel cell, but the final hydrogen solution chosen will be the one that best meets the needs of its customers.
Manitou Group managing director Michel Denis said the company was studying all the hydrogen-related technologies based on what users need.
“This prototype is only the first step,” he added. “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.”
With its first prototype, Manitou is showcasing its ability to innovate in order to measure the autonomy of this new energy while offering its customers the hydrogen solution that best meets their needs, but without compromising on performance. Almost 50 engineers and technicians are dedicated to this approach, which was launched in 2021.
Manitou Group hopes to offer customers a 100 per cent hydrogen-powered telehandler by 2026.
