Germany pioneering hydrogen-electric MEWP adoption

• German equipment rental companies are leading the adoption of hydrogen-electric mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) for zero-emission, energy-efficient performance.

• Niftylift has introduced two hydrogen-electric models, the HR15 H 2 E and HR17 H 2 E, which will be showcased at bauma 2025.

• Niftylift's hydrogen-electric machines offer extended operational range and minimal downtime, making them ideal for projects without grid access.

• The adoption of hydrogen-electric MEWPs is particularly beneficial in German cities with low-emission zones, reducing the impact of diesel-powered vehicles.

• Industry leaders like Hans Denig and Tobias Hannibal highlight the advantages of hydrogen-electric models, including increased uptime and low noise levels.

• Niftylift supports the trend towards sustainability with innovative solutions that combine environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability and supported by innovative solutions from Niftylift, German equipment rental companies are leading the charge in hydrogen-electric powered access, offering zero-emission, energy-efficient performance on both urban and remote projects.

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Germany, long regarded as a global leader in sustainability and innovation, is now at the forefront of adopting hydrogen-electric mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), according to powered access equipment specialist Niftylift.

The country’s early commitment to renewable energy and National Hydrogen Strategy updated in 2023 have positioned it as a prime market for hydrogen-powered technologies – and Niftylift is witnessing significant interest from German equipment rental companies.

“Rental companies in Germany are investing heavily in all-electric fleets and are now enthusiastically embracing hydrogen-electric models as well,” confirms Marcel Schepers, managing director of Niftylift Europe.

Niftylift offers a comprehensive range of 10 fully electric self-propelled booms, catering to diverse jobsite requirements with working heights ranging from 12.1 to 28 m. The company also recently introduced two hydrogen-electric models, the HR15 H 2 E and HR17 H 2 E, which are expected to feature on the Niftylift stand (FS.1003/2) at bauma 2025 in April.

All Niftylift machines are compact and low weight, making them easy to transport and operate in confined urban environments. However, the fully electric and hydrogen-electric models enhance this versatility with quiet and zero-emission operation, which helps to minimise the impact of their use in densely populated areas.

“This is a particularly important advantage in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne, or Freiburg, which have established low emission zones that increasingly restrict diesel-powered vehicles,” Schepers explains.

Hydrogen-electric machines offer an additional edge on projects that do not have grid access for charging. While the Niftylift HR15 H 2 E and HR17 H 2 E can operate for up to five days on batteries alone, the hydrogen system doubles their range. Even with daily use, the hydrogen cylinder requires replacement only once every two to three weeks, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

Hans Denig, owner of Move 4 U, who has been a Niftylift customer since 2010, emphasises this benefit: “Many of our clients are working in hall construction where electricity is not yet available. While hybrid machines were a good interim solution, there is growing demand for fully electric or alternative energy options. Hydrogen has proven to be a clean and reliable solution, and we see it as a great way to attract more customers.”

For Tobias Hannibal, founder and owner of Mietservice Hannibal, which runs a rental fleet of many Niftylift units, the increased uptime of hydrogen-electric models compared to fully electric machines is an attractive prospect. “The trend is definitely moving towards electric, and the benefit of hydrogen is its low noise levels and the ability to run for several weeks without needing a refill. That is a major advantage,” he explains.

For Tobias Hannibal, founder and owner of Mietservice Hannibal, which runs a rental fleet of many Niftylift units, the increased uptime of hydrogen-electric models compared to fully electric machines is an attractive prospect. “The trend is definitely moving towards electric, and the benefit of hydrogen is its low noise levels and the ability to run for several weeks without needing a refill. That is a major advantage,” he explains.

“Germany’s leadership in adopting hydrogen-electric MEWPs reflects a broader industry trend toward sustainability,” he concludes. “At Niftylift, we are proud to support our customers with cutting-edge solutions that combine environmental responsibility with operational efficiency – and we believe hydrogen technology is just the beginning of what’s possible for a cleaner, greener future.”