Driving the Future
First published in the May 2025 issue of Quarry Management
bauma is arguably the world’s largest construction and mining equipment exhibition, and this year’s show saw many of the industry’s leading OEMs and technology firms pushing the boundaries of electric innovation. QM looks back at some of the latest electric machinery and intelligent battery-electric power solutions showcased at the event that will play a pivotal role in driving a sustainable, low-carbon future for the heavy building materials industry
This year’s triennial bauma construction and mining trade show in Munich featured more electric machinery and technologies on display and demonstration than ever before. With electrification taking centre stage at bauma 2025, it was no surprise to see many exhibitors showcasing their low-carbon equipment, net-zero strategies, and sustainability know-how to visitors over the seven show days.
There is a growing impetus for net-zero construction and bauma emphasised the importance of electrification and automation, renewable energy, and decarbonization technologies to drive down emissions while delivering economic benefits and energy security.
Currently, electric and AI driverless construction machines are still niche products and/or only at the prototype stage for most OEMs. However, a strong focus remains – as demonstrated by bauma 2025 – on mitigating climate change and moving toward ever greater levels of electrification and automation.
One notable machine that was a sight to behold at this year’s show and a real crowd-puller on the Liebherr stand was the battery-electric, autonomous T 264 E mining truck, which was developed in collaboration with Australian mining giant Fortescue. Powered by a 3.2MW battery, the 240-tonne mining hauler supports static charging using an automated quick charger that allows it to be fully charged in under an hour.
The machine can also facilitate dynamic charging via Liebherr’s proven Power Rail trolley technology for optimal on-site flexibility. On top of this, the T 264 E can be used autonomously with Liebherr’s Autonomous Haulage Solution (AHS), to further enhance safety, productivity, and efficiency.
As always at bauma, the German company showcased a wide variety of products during the trade fair, including new groundbreaking electric construction machines across its diverse plant ranges. They included: the HTM 905 E truckmixer; the L 507 E battery-driven wheel loader; and the R 920 E G8, the first battery-operated electric crawler excavator from Liebherr-France SAS.
Another company eager to share its electrification solutions in the earthmoving/ construction equipment segments at bauma was Volvo Construction Equipment, who took the opportunity to unveil the world’s first serial-produced battery-electric articulated haulers of their size class – the all-new A30 Electric and A40 Electric.
The launch is the latest milestone in a series of hauler innovations for the Swedish OEM and marks a major step forward in its ambition to decarbonize construction and provide a new-generation upgrade with pioneering advancements in safety, uptime and efficiency. The A30 Electric and A40 Electric articulated dumptrucks, with payloads of 29 tons and 39 tons respectively, are designed to offer a runtime of 4–4.5h across most applications. However, high-energy jobs may require more frequent recharging.
Other fully electric Volvo machines that created a buzz at bauma included the L120 Electric wheel loader, which was introduced to the market last year to support customers’ fossil-free ambitions. Designed for use on multiple applications (eg construction sites, waste-recycling, quarrying etc.) the 20-tonne loading shovel can work a full day of around 5–8h on a single charge, depending on the application and environment.
‘The L120 Electric can deliver the same, if not better, performance as its conventional diesel counterpart, with the added benefits of faster response, shorter cycle times, and significantly lower operating costs,’ said Armin Steffes, technical representative for Volvo CE.
‘It can offer fast charging from 20–80% in 65 minutes when using a DC charging solution with a maximum charging capacity of 350kW. The L120 Electric has attracted huge interest at the show, and we will be rolling out the machine across select markets in Europe and parts of the world later this year.’
Visitors at this year’s bauma also had the opportunity to see one of the largest battery-electric concrete boom pump trucks available that can travel up to 50km and pump approximately 50m3 of concrete on a single charge. The new 32-tonne four-axle truck results from a collaboration between Volvo Trucks and concrete pump manufacturer Putzmeister, commissioned by Swerock, one of Sweden’s largest suppliers of concrete.
With the new battery-electric pump truck (based on Volvo’s FM Electric 8x4 rigid tag tridem), Volvo Trucks can offer construction customers an all-electric alternative for handling concrete, from transporting and mixing to pumping.
Among the other companies presenting their latest electrification innovations and technologies for the construction, waste-recycling, and mining sectors were Caterpillar and Komatsu. Celebrating their centenary this year, Caterpillar’s ‘The Next 100 Years’ stand gave visitors a glimpse of the future with a dynamic display of battery-electric solutions, next-generation technologies, and 48 machines, including 17 new introductions or upgrades.
Industrial experts were on hand to explain Cat’s latest advancements in battery-electric equipment, including the 301.9 mini-excavator, 906 compact wheel loader, and updated 320 Electric medium excavator and 950 GC Electric medium wheel loader prototypes.
‘Our battery-electric equipment offerings have attracted plenty of attention, particularly the electric versions of the 950 GC loader and 320 excavator,’ said Kathrin Kühn, technical and electrification specialist at Zeppelin, the German dealer for Caterpillar. ‘It is important we meet our customers on their sustainability journey and energy transition to a lower-carbon future.
‘Our mobile battery energy-storage solutions are engineered to be scalable to industry and satisfy customer performance demands whilst maximizing sustainability throughout their lifecycle. They are a key piece of equipment on many construction sites with their rapid plug-and-play installation and on-site battery-electric machine charging.’
With over four decades of pioneering innovation in electric-driven hydraulic construction/mining equipment, Komatsu showcased an impressive electric line-up of machines, including the proven PC33E-6 electric mini-excavator, as well as the pre-production PC20 Electric and PC26 Electric models.
Also shown at bauma were Komatsu’s prototype PC138E-11 and PC210LCE-11 electric excavators, and for the mining segment, the company’s electrically powered PC7000-11E hydraulic mining excavator in backhoe configuration.
Another Asian OEM spearheading the shift towards the electrification of construction machinery and emission-free equipment is LiuGong, who presented no fewer than 13 machines across five product lines at bauma 2025.
A fast-growing force in the mining and demolition sectors, and a market leader in EV battery technology, the Chinese firm showcased five new battery-electric models, including the 870HE wheel loader, 924FE excavator, and DR50CE rigid mining truck.
‘We have one of the industry’s most extensive electric machine portfolios for the heavy construction plant sector,’ remarked Russell Hudson, product manager at LiuGong Europe.
‘The 870HE is a groundbreaking machine, setting new standards in sustainable earthmoving. With its 423kWh battery, operators can achieve 7–9 hours of uninterrupted zero-emission performance.
‘Fast-charging technology enables a 20–100% charge in just 90 minutes, making it a game-changer for demanding applications requiring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.’
Also, on display and making its debut at a trade show was the LiuGong 4280DE motor grader – the world’s first 24-tonne electric grader. Designed for quarry haul road maintenance with an 8–10h runtime from its 423kWh battery, the new machine is optimized for power, precision and sustainability, seamlessly integrating into electric fleets.
Another company on a mission to create a more sustainable future in the construction equipment industry is compact excavator specialist Kubota. Showcasing cutting-edge machines, innovative technologies, and advanced tools designed to boost productivity, reduce downtime, and deliver low/zero emissions on every job site, the company’s electric retrofit kit and powerpack exhibits at bauma generated strong interest from existing and potential new customers.
‘Cost has always been a barrier to adopting electric machinery, but the electric retrofit options for two of Kubota’s most popular mini-excavators – the KX019-4 and U27-4 – make the transition to electric equipment more accessible, practical, and economically viable,’ explained Mickaël Robert, president of Novum Tech, the manufacturers and suppliers of the battery-electric conversion kits for the Kubota machines.
‘The electrification conversion kits also reduce maintenance costs and operating overheads. With no engine and associated components, servicing time and costs are significantly reduced, saving customers time and money. Furthermore, as electricity is much cheaper than fossil fuels, it presents a substantial economic advantage.’
Strengthening their position as a pioneer in electrification and driving force behind the next generation of sustainable road construction equipment, Ammann presented a plethora of innovative products at bauma, including a demonstration of the new eABG 4820 electric-drive paver – currently the largest machine of its kind on the market.
The tracked paver, which utilizes a Variomatic screed, offers a maximum paving width of 6.5m, a maximum paving speed of 20m/min, and a paving output of 500 tonnes/h. It boasts a 12.7-tonne capacity hopper. The eABG 4820 can operate for an entire shift on a single charge, and recently placed 1,200 tonnes of asphalt in a day, whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 70%.
Accelerating autonomous technology
Renewable energy sources, electrification of heavy equipment, and hydrogen utilization are anticipated to play a significant role in the construction and quarrying roadmap over the next decade as the industry shifts away from its dependence on fossil fuels.
Key to facilitating this transformation is the integration of AI and autonomous technologies aimed at enhancing productivity, improving on-site safety, and increasing operational efficiencies for aggregate producers and transport fleet managers alike.
At bauma 2025, HD Hyundai XiteSolution (HDX), the holding company for HD Hyundai Infracore and its Develon brand, in collaboration with Gravis Robotics AG, signed a groundbreaking agreement with global building materials suppliers Holcim to revolutionize autonomous machinery development.
Develon’s vision for autonomous equipment has been an ongoing development stream for several years, starting with the Concept-X technology first seen globally in 2019. This progressed to Develon’s Concept-X2, the much-heralded remote control/autonomous cabless construction equipment solution first seen at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2023 in Las Vegas.
At this year’s bauma, the South Korean OEM was keen to unveil its next stage of advanced autonomous technology that will set a precedent for a fully automated future in the aggregates sector. Stephane Dieu, excavator and dozer product manager for Develon, told QM: ‘We are currently advancing autonomous machinery with Real X, the next evolution of AI-powered excavation and construction equipment technology to accelerate the development of safe, productive, sustainable, and predictive autonomous excavation solutions.
‘As such, we’ve received a great deal of fanfare on our DX225 AI Real X autonomous excavator at bauma, which demonstrates how autonomous machines are capable of trenching, bulk earthmoving, and truck loading – all with precision and efficiency. It’s the kind of tech that makes you stop and think: ‘Wow, this is a vision of the future that is about to take shape’.
‘We have also enjoyed a hugely successful launch of our highly anticipated next-generation dash-9 ‘smart’ crawler excavators – the 23-tonne DX230LC-9 and the 26-tonne DX260LC-9. These new models are packed with cutting-edge technologies designed to significantly increase performance, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure industry-leading uptime. The dash-9 excavators are not just machines that put us at the forefront of construction machinery innovation – they provide a glimpse into the future of intelligent heavy construction equipment.’
Other companies showcasing AI and advanced autonomous technologies at bauma included CASE, who unveiled Impact. This new, groundbreaking electric wheel loader concept ditches the traditional operator cab in favour of remote/autonomous operation for greater safety, productivity, and sustainability. The company also introduced several zero-emission machines, including the CX210ZQ electric excavator, the CX25EV mini, and the 12EV compact excavator model.
Another major OEM pushing the boundaries of autonomy and zero-emission technology at the show were Hitachi Construction Machinery, who presented their pioneering Landcros One excavator concept, which is said to revolutionize how machinery interacts with operators, job sites, and the broader construction ecosystem.
Visitors to the Hitachi stand were able to see a full-scale physical concept of the excavator, which will feature a modular cab with intuitive ergonomics and AI-assisted interfaces, and a propulsion system available in three distinct power modes: electric, combustion, or hydrogen.
From award-winning diesel machines to state-of-the-art electric and hydrogen-fuelled excavators, Hyundai Construction Equipment enjoyed a hive of activity on their stand, with the HX230e electric excavator attracting plenty of attention.
Targeting eco-conscious operations, the 25-tonne machine is powered by a 420kWh battery pack, ensuring up to eight hours of running time. A larger 503kWh battery pack option is available, which extends the operating time, making it ideal for demanding urban environments. The Hyundai HX230e is expected to go into full production by late 2027, responding directly to the growing demand for cleaner, quieter construction machinery.
Sustainable future
Highlighting their expertise in autonomy and electrification, Wirtgen Group once again showcased a wide range of innovative sustainable machinery designs, equipment advancements, and cutting-edge technologies through the well-known brands of Vögele, Kleemann, Hamm, and Benninghoven.
In the Super 1300-5e, Vögele now offer the first battery-electric tracked paver in the compact class. Combined with the AB 340 extending screed, the E-Power machine can pave widths from 1.8m to 4.2m, making it particularly suitable for silent and zero operating emissions paving of inner-city projects such as footpaths, cycle paths, and small roads.
Meanwhile, compaction specialists Hamm showcased two new electric models in their range of pivot-steered tandem rollers – the HX 70e VV-S with 100% electric vibration drums, and the HX 70e VO-S variant with oscillation drum.
As the construction products industry works towards becoming a net-zero-carbon sector, it was not a surprise to see many exhibitors and attendees at bauma underlining the need to maximize reuse and recycle with zero waste to landfill whilst preserving precious natural aggregate sources.
‘As we stand on the brink of creating a greener future, the construction sector holds the key to significant environmental impact,’ said Clemence Badier, marketing manager for Europe at CDE Global. ‘For us, it is extremely important to have a strong presence at key international trade shows – as we did at last year’s Hillhead and now at bauma – to not only promote our new and growing product lines, but also share our success stories in both natural and recycled applications, and how we can help customers reach their sustainability goals.
‘Transitioning to a net-zero-carbon economy will not happen overnight but incrementally. Our message is that we can only achieve this by driving the decarbonization agenda together, and in October this year CDE will be hosting the CIRCLE 2025 waste-recycling symposium in Brussels, where industry leaders will be able to share insights and help redefine and rethink the construction sector’s waste burden.’
Another leading OEM embracing circular economy practices by helping its customers reduce construction/demolition waste, minimize carbon emissions, and put materials straight back into the production cycle is MB Crusher. Encouraging contractors to think about waste materials from a reuse perspective, the Italian firm used this year’s bauma as a global launch pad for its all-new MB-P and MB-PT demolition pulverizer.
‘Being at the forefront of sustainable building solutions, the newly updated machinery attachment is a strategic, direct response to industry demand,’ remarked Alessia Valerio, senior content and media strategist for MB Crusher. ‘We understand the diverse needs of construction and demolition professionals, and that is why the MB-P and MB-PT pulverizer offers both single-cylinder and double-cylinder configurations for maximum efficiency, durability, and productivity.’
Among the other exhibiting companies, fully committed to the environmental sustainability agenda are filter press manufacturers Matec Industries, who were keen to discuss their sustainability ambitions at bauma 2025. ‘We don’t see the aggregates sector’s journey to net zero as a challenge, but one filled with promise and exciting opportunities,’ explained Alessandro Fenili, marketing and communications manager.
‘Sustainability is deeply embedded in all aspects of our business. Matec are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of their products and production processes, promoting the use of recyclable materials, and using renewable energy sources. Coming to a show like bauma allows us to not only promote our advanced filtration, water-treatment, and waste-washing technologies, but also provide an ideal platform to talk about the positive work we are doing to make our business and products more eco-friendly as part of our sustainability journey.’
For CMS Cepcor, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of aftermarket crusher spare parts, it is important to exhibit and attend international showcase events such as bauma to bring customers up to date with their full range of premium products and service offerings.
‘Given the strength of the CMS Cepcor name in the aftermarket crusher parts market, it is essential to get as close as possible to customers, partners, and potential dealers, and discuss how we can fill a gap in the market where high-quality equipment spares backed by timely support are required,’ explained James Shelly, group sales director of CMS Cepcor.
Elsewhere on the showground, McLanahan, in collaboration with sister company Diefenbach, unveiled their latest Quickchange system – a patent-pending innovation set to transform filter press maintenance. Engineered for speed, simplicity and safety, the groundbreaking piece of kit streamlines filter cloth replacement and filter plate inspection – slashing downtime and boosting operational efficiency.
Stuart McCrum, McLanahan’s marketing lead for Europe, commented: ‘Unlike traditional methods requiring extensive manual labour or specialized lifting equipment, Quickchange allows operators to perform maintenance at ground level in a very short time frame by reducing the industry-standard replacement time of 10–20 minutes per cloth to just 1–2 minutes. This significant reduction in changeout time minimizes downtime and maximizes productivity.’
The Quickchange system also raises the bar in safety. The risks associated with working at height or in confined spaces are mitigated by eliminating the need for personnel to climb on to or inside filter presses for cloth changeout.
‘It’s a win-win for the McLanahan business and our customers,’ continued Mr McCrum. ‘As a premium full-line OEM, the Quickchange system demonstrates our commitment to continuous innovation, safety, equipment efficiency, and application-driven performance in tough segments such as quarrying, mining, and recycling.’
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