Caterpillar is one of several OEMs with a large presence in the Festival Lot at CONEXPO 2023. (SAE/Matt Wolfe)

CONEXPO 2023 Image Gallery

Hydrogen and electric vehicles and propulsion systems dominate at the triennial trade show.

March 15, 2023

Concept and prototype vehicles powered by hydrogen and electric propulsion systems were prevalent throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center halls and outdoor lots. And engine manufacturers were eager to showcase their varied power options, from hydrogen ICEs and fuel cells to hybrids and fuel-agnostic platforms.

Resembling a track loader, Bobcat's cab-less RogueX concept machine is controlled remotely with autonomous capability and offers unique functionality including both vertical- and radial-path lift capabilities. The all-electric concept machine features a lithium-ion battery, electric drive system and no hydraulics. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

View the gallery above to see some of the intriguing vehicles and propulsion systems on display at the CONEXPO 2023 show.

Compact wheel loaders are making "massive gains" in North America, according to CASE Construction. The OEM showcased the CL36EV electric compact wheel loader featuring 23-kWh battery capacity, a 23-hp (17-kW) drive motor and 30-hp (22-kW) implement motor, with an expected run time of 3-6 hours. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

The dramatically-lit WA Electric wheel-loader prototype took center stage in Komatsu's booth. Based on the WA70 chassis, the prototype has an operating weight of 11,905 lbs. (5,400 kg) – roughly 750 lbs. (340 kg) heavier than the standard model. Developed in partnership with Moog Inc., the WA Electric features an “automation-ready” electrification system including traction motor; electric cylinders for lift, tilt and steering; system control computer and a 22-kW onboard charger. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

Volvo CE has started testing what it claims is the world’s first fuel-cell-powered articulated hauler prototype, the HX04. The result of a research project running between 2018 and 2022, the HX04 is "charged" with 12 kg of hydrogen in about 7.5 minutes, enabling it to operate for approximately four hours, Volvo claims. (SAE/Matt Wolfe)

Gradall unveiled an electric telescopic-boom wheeled excavator concept developed in partnership with Volvo Penta. The EV features two battery packs, with 66 kWh per pack. Battery-pack weight is 1,267 lbs. (575 kg). The electric machine consists of 3-phase permanent-magnet motors; two are used for propulsion, with a third for PTO connected to the 5th wheel hydraulic pump. Opportunity charging reportedly provides the ability to reach full capacity within 45 min. from a 150-kW charger. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

Hyundai Doosan Infracore displayed an inline 6-cylinder hydrogen internal-combustion engine with a maximum output of 300 kW (402 hp) at 2,000 rpm. Applications for the "zero-CO2" powertrain, which meets Tier 4F, Tier 5, Stage VI and Euro VII, include industrial and generators in addition to on- and off-highway vehicles. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

Accelera-branded technologies, including this fuel-cell engine for off-highway applications, made their debut in the Cummins booth at CONEXPO, a week after the new zero-emissions-focused brand was launched. Available in 150- and 300-kW, the FCE150 Gen 4+ features a best-in-class fuel-cell engine density of >5 W/L, the company claims. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

Cummins also showcased its 15-liter fuel-agnostic engine platform, the red portion representing the common base engine with unique cylinder heads and fuel systems tailored for hydrogen, natural gas, diesel and HVO. The hydrogen variant produces an estimated 400-530 hp (298-395 kW) and peak torque of 1,920 lb-ft (2,603 Nm). (SAE/Ryan Gehm)

Kubota Engine says hybrid engines are not only an interim powertrain solution, but a longer-term one if the engine runs HVO fuel. Kubota displayed three hybrid variants, this one being a 3.3-L turbocharged V3307 P0 micro hybrid with a 48V lithium-ion battery. It produces 74.3 hp (55.4 kW) at 2,600 rpm, with 10-kW motor generator boost power. (SAE/Ryan Gehm)