PRINOTH unveils world’s first snow groomer powered by a hydrogen combustion engine

“This means, we now have two hydrogen concept machines with two different powertrains,” says Martin Kirchmair, Technical Director at PRINOTH Snow Grooming. “The first version of the vehicle is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and our latest development uses an internal combustion engine.”

The new version of the LEITWOLF h2MOTION has a 13 liter, six-cylinder engine developed by FPT Industrial that delivers 460 hp (338 kW) and 2,000 Nm of torque. The engine is similar to a diesel, offering customers the familiarity they are used to with traditional machines. The only major difference is the fuel tank—the hydrogen is stored in five tanks that are mounted on the back of the machine which, compared to the fuel storage of the first vehicle version, increases the running time. Tests so far indicate a running time of more than three hours.

Whether equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell or a hydrogen combustion engine, the LEITWOLF h2MOTION is designed primarily for preparing slopes in larger ski resorts due to its power and size. The vehicle is another step towards PRINTOH’s goal of a fully carbon-free fleet. Together with the commercially available electric HUSKY eMOTION, PRINOTH is leading the way in developing sustainable and carbon-free snow groomers. 

“PRINOTH’s commitment to sustainability and helping our customers meet their carbon-free targets is a number one priority,” says Horst Haller, CEO at PRINOTH Snow Grooming. “For our smaller vehicles and for specific applications, electrification is the way we want to move forward. Particularly for our larger machines, we believe hydrogen is a relevant future solution. In terms of making this vision real, using a hydrogen combustion engine in our vehicles is appealing because the technology promises a quicker entry into carbonfree snow grooming.”

Go to www.prinoth.com for more information on PRINOTH’s other sustainable snow groomers.

LEITWOLF h2MOTION with hydrogen combustion engine

Engine: FPT Industrial 6-cylinder in-line XC13 hydrogen combustion engine

Power output: 460 hp (338 kW)

Max. torque: 2,000 Nm

Vehicle range: > 3 hours