bauma 2025 in Numbers: The World's Leading Trade Fair in Record Format
The bauma 2025, held from April 7-13 in Munich, impressively confirmed its position as the world's most important specialist trade fair for construction machinery. With 3,601 exhibitors from 61 countries and approximately 600,000 visitors from over 200 countries, the event exceeded expectations. The trade fair utilized the entire grounds including newly developed outdoor spaces for the first time – a total of 614,000 m² of exhibition space.
Central themes in 2025: Electrification with a focus on battery-powered machines, autonomous systems in practical use, digitalization across manufacturer boundaries, alternative fuels (hydrogen, HVO100), circular economy and recycling technologies. Unlike previous bauma editions, 2025 was dominated not by concept studies but by production-ready or already available solutions. Over 40 world premieres were counted – 18 of them with direct market relevance for the DACH region from 2026 onwards.
The trade fair was characterized by pragmatic optimism: While the economic situation in the DACH region remained tense in 2025, manufacturers invested massively in new technologies. The focus was on high-ROI solutions – machines that convince through lower operating costs, higher availability, or regulatory advantages despite higher acquisition costs.
Electric Drives and Battery Machines: From Niche to Norm
2025 marked the breakthrough of battery-electric construction machines in the segment over 10 tons operating weight. While in 2019 compact excavators up to 2 t and mini wheel loaders dominated the electric category, 2025 saw all major manufacturers presenting fully electric machines up to 26 t.
Volvo CE presented the EC230 Electric, a 23-ton tracked excavator with 264 kWh lithium-ion battery. Charging time 70 minutes (DC fast charging 150 kW), operating duration in earthmoving 4-6 hours depending on load profile. The manufacturer stated that the EC230 Electric is already in use in 2025 in Hamburg, Vienna, and Zurich for inner-city projects – with 65% lower energy costs compared to the diesel-powered EC220E.
Liebherr showed the R 9200 E, a 200-ton mobile excavator with hybrid drive: a diesel generator (450 kW) powers a 600-kWh battery that drives the hydraulic pumps via electric motors. The system enables purely electric operation for up to 2 hours, for example when loading trucks or during stationary work. In combined operation, fuel consumption drops by 30% – at a quarry operation in Upper Austria from 95 l/h to 66 l/h.
Wacker Neuson expanded its Zero-Emission line: The ET24 is a 2.4-ton mini excavator with 17.6 kWh battery, runtime 5-8 hours, charging time 2.5 h (230 V) or 55 min (400 V). New is the EW100, a 10-ton mobile excavator with 75 kWh and exchangeable battery pack – relevant for rental companies that want to eliminate downtime. Wacker Neuson stated it will deliver over 1,200 units of the Zero-Emission series to DACH in 2026, of which 40% EW100.
Caterpillar announced the 320 Electric, a 20-ton excavator with 300 kWh battery, market launch Q4 2026. Unique feature: The Battery Management System (BMS) is compatible with Cat generators of the C7.1 series – job site operators can use existing backup power units as fast charging infrastructure. Target group: urban deep construction projects with emission regulations (LEZ, zero-emission zones).
Figures on market penetration: According to a survey at bauma, 34% of DACH construction companies (>50 employees) plan to procure at least one fully electric machine over 5 t in 2026 – in 2022 it was 8%.
Battery Technology: Lithium Iron Phosphate Dominates
Almost all E-machines shown use LFP batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate) instead of NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt). Reason: higher cycle durability (3,000-5,000 full cycles vs. 1,500-2,500), better temperature tolerance (-20 °C to +60 °C), lower fire risk. Disadvantage: 15-20% lower energy density. For construction machines with space for larger packs, LFP is the preferred choice.
JCB showed a modular battery system: The 19C-1E (1.9 ton mini excavator) uses 4 × 4.4 kWh modules that can be changed in 90 seconds. Rental companies receive a battery change rack – with high utilization, a second battery set can be charged in parallel. JCB plans 15 battery exchange stations with major rental companies in DACH in 2026.
Autonomy and Tele-Operation: Practical Use Instead of Feasibility Studies
2025 was the year autonomous construction machines made the leap from controlled test environments into real job sites. A distinction is made between semi-autonomous systems (Level 3: machine performs defined tasks independently, operator supervises) and fully autonomous systems (Level 4: no permanent monitoring required).
Liebherr demonstrated live an autonomous wheel loader L 566 XPower (20 t operating weight, electric drive). The machine ran a defined cycle: loading 3.5 m³ of bulk material, transport over 80 m, loading a stationary crusher, return. The entire sequence ran without operator intervention – monitored by a central control unit that coordinates up to 6 machines in parallel. Liebherr stated it will deploy the system in a Swiss quarry in 24/7 operation in 2026. Productivity: +18% compared to manually operated machines, as shift breaks are eliminated and driving cycles are optimized.
Caterpillar presented the Cat Command System for wheel loaders of the 950-980 series (12-45 t). The system enables tele-operation: one operator controls the machine from a control center (up to 5 km distance via 5G). Use in hazardous work (tunnel driving, quarry with rockfall hazard) or in regions with driver shortage. Cat stated it had already delivered 140 Command-capable machines in Europe in 2025, of which 45 in DACH. Cost: +€120,000 per machine, amortized in 18-24 months with three-shift operation.
Volvo CE showed the Autonomous Hauler TA15, a 15-ton dump truck for autonomous material transport on large construction sites. The system uses GPS (±2 cm accuracy), LiDAR (obstacle detection up to 80 m) and camera-based object recognition. The TA15 communicates with other machines (excavators, rollers) via a proprietary protocol – Volvo speaks of "Site Automation". First pilot projects run in 2026 in Norway (road construction) and Germany (excavation for logistics center).
Figures: 22% of machines over 18 t shown at bauma were autonomy-capable or remotely operated – in 2022 it was 6%. However, most systems are still in pilot projects. For the DACH mass market, autonomous technology is relevant at earliest 2027-2028, with the exception of large-scale and infrastructure projects.
Manufacturer Highlights: Caterpillar, Liebherr, Volvo, Komatsu, Wacker Neuson, Wirtgen
Caterpillar: New 775 Series and Command Expansion
Caterpillar showed the 775 off-highway truck, a 70-ton dump truck with Cat C18 ACERT engine (542 kW/737 PS), Stage-V compliant. Unique feature: The Traction Control System 2.0 reduces slip on unpaved roads by 35%, bringing fuel savings of 8-12%. Bucket volume: 45 m³ (SAE 2:1). Cat stated the 775 replaces the successful 773 – with 15% higher payload at the same engine power. First deliveries to DACH from Q3 2026, list price approx. €1.85 million.
Cat expanded the Command palette with the D6 XE (electric drivetrain, track, 25 t), which can be tele-operated from 2026 onwards. Target group: pipeline and cable installation in difficult terrain.
Liebherr: R 9200 E and Autonomous Wheel Loader
In addition to the R 9200 E already mentioned, Liebherr showed the A 918 Compact Litronic, an 18-ton mobile excavator with Stage-V engine (110 kW) and new hydraulic concept: variable pump control reduces idle consumption by 22%. The A 918 is optimized for urban construction sites – slewing radius 2.85 m, transport width 2.55 m. Liebherr stated it will deliver 320 units to DACH in 2026, primarily to rental companies and municipal utilities.
The autonomous L 566 XPower (see above) was the highlight – demonstrated live in a mock quarry on the trade fair grounds. Visitors could adjust loading cycles via tablet and follow machine response in real time.
Volvo CE: Electrification of Wheel and Tracked Excavators
Volvo presented, in addition to the EC230 Electric, also the EW220E Electric, a 22-ton mobile excavator with 240 kWh battery. Charging time 80 minutes (DC 150 kW). Volvo stated the EW220E achieves 90% of the productivity of the diesel counterpart EW220D in urban projects – with zero local emissions and 70 dB(A) sound power level (vs. 98 dB(A) for diesel). First customers in DACH: construction companies in Berlin, Munich, Vienna with projects in zero-emission zones.
Volvo announced that by 2030 it will offer 50% of all machines sold in Europe in electrified form – either fully electric or hybrid.
Komatsu: Intelligent Machine Control
Komatsu showed the PC210LCi-11, a 21-ton tracked excavator with integrated 3D machine control system. The system uses GNSS (GPS + GLONASS) and inclination sensors to control bucket position with ±3 cm accuracy. The operator sees the target geometry on the monitor (imported from BIM/CAD) – the system automatically prevents over- or under-excavation. Komatsu stated that projects with the PC210LCi-11 are completed 20-30% faster because rework is eliminated. Price: approx. €285,000 (vs. €215,000 for the standard PC210LC-11).
Komatsu expanded intelligent control to wheel loaders (WA500-8) and crawlers (D61PXi-24). In 2026, 180 machines with i-MC (intelligent Machine Control) are to be delivered to DACH.
Wacker Neuson: Zero-Emission Offensive
Wacker Neuson massively expanded the Zero-Emission line: in addition to the ET24 and EW100 (see above), the manufacturer showed the DPU110e, an electric vibration plate (operating weight 110 kg, 48 V battery, runtime 4 h). The DPU110e is the first E-plate with power at diesel level (20 kN centrifugal force). Wacker Neuson stated it will deliver 2,500 units to DACH in 2026 – primarily to rental companies that must meet LEZ requirements.
Additionally, Wacker Neuson announced the WL20e, a 2-ton electric wheel loader with 50 kWh battery, lifting power 2,200 kg, range 6-8 h. Market start Q2 2026, price approx. €58,000.
Wirtgen: New Milling Machines and Recyclers
Wirtgen presented the W 210 Fi, a cold milling machine (working width 2,100 mm, milling depth max. 330 mm) with Stage-V engine (397 kW). Unique feature: The Automatic Load Control System automatically adjusts feed and roller speed to material hardness – throughput +12% at the same fuel consumption. Wirtgen stated the W 210 Fi replaces the successful W 210 – with 18% higher area output (1,250 m²/h at 100 mm milling depth).
Wirtgen also showed the WR 250i, a mobile cold recycler for in-situ rehabilitation. The WR 250i mixes milled material, binder and water directly on the job site – 250 t/h throughput. Savings compared to transport and new installation: 40-60% cost, 70% CO₂. Wirtgen stated it will deliver 12 units to DACH in 2026, primarily to road construction companies.
Trade Fair Premieres with Market Relevance for 2026
Of the 40+ world premieres at bauma 2025, 18 are immediately relevant for the DACH market – either because they are available in 2026 or because they meet regulatory requirements (Stage V, LEZ, noise protection).
- Mecalac e12: 12-ton electric mobile excavator, 150 kWh battery, charging time 90 min. Slewing radius 2.5 m, ideal for urban projects. Price approx. €145,000, market start Q3 2026.
- Hidromek HMK 370 LC HD: 37-ton tracked excavator with demolition kit (high bucket, reinforced structure). Stage-V engine 205 kW, breaking force 265 kN. Target group: demolition companies, recycling. Price approx. €380,000.
- Sany SY500H: 50-ton hybrid excavator (diesel + 80 kWh battery), fuel savings 25% in mixed operation. Sany plans to deliver 60 units to DACH in 2026 – primarily to large earthmoving companies.
- JCB 220X: 22-ton tracked excavator with Stage-V engine (121 kW) and JCB Command Plus (telematics + geofencing). The 220X is telemetry-ready – fleet operators can remotely monitor location, fuel consumption, maintenance intervals. Price approx. €195,000.
- Bobcat E20z: 2-ton electric mini excavator with 17.3 kWh battery, runtime 8 h (light work). Bobcat stated the E20z is the answer to LEZ requirements in Amsterdam, London, Paris – but also in Munich city center from 2026 onwards.
- Takeuchi TB20e: 2-ton electric mini excavator, similar to Bobcat E20z, but with interchangeable battery pack (2 × 8.6 kWh). Takeuchi plans to deliver 400 units to DACH in 2026.
- Doosan DX800LC-7: 80-ton tracked excavator with Scania Stage-V engine (405 kW), breaking force 680 kN. Target group: quarry, large-scale earthmoving. Doosan stated the DX800LC-7 replaces the DX700 – with 25% more power at 8% lower consumption. Price approx. €1.2 million.
Other premieres with niche relevance: Sennebogen 875 E (electric material handling excavator, 50 t operating weight, stationary operation on 400-V connection), Kobelco SK400DLC-11 (40-ton excavator with iNDr noise protection system, 83 dB(A) instead of 98 dB(A)), Atlas Copco ROC D3 (mobile drill rig with Stage-V engine and auto-drill system).
Trends 2026 After bauma 2025: What Actually Comes
The bauma 2025 provided clear signals about which trends will arrive in the DACH market in 2026 – beyond manufacturer marketing.
1. Electrification of Compact and Midsize Machines
E-machines up to 12 t will become mainstream in 2026. Rental companies like Zeppelin Rental, Loxam, Boels are massively expanding their E-fleets – driven by LEZ requirements (Low Emission Zones) in over 30 European cities. In DACH, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Amsterdam are affected. Construction companies taking on orders there need E-machines or pay penalties (up to €500/day in Amsterdam).
Forecast: approximately 8,500 electric construction machines will be sold in DACH in 2026 (purchase + lease) – in 2025 it was 3,200. Market share: 6.5% (by volume), 4.2% (by value).
2. Hybrid Drives for Large Machines
Over 40 t diesel remains dominant – but hybrid systems (diesel + battery) are gaining. Reason: 20-30% fuel savings for machines with intermittent load profiles (excavators loading trucks: high load when slewing, idle when digging). Hybrids cost +15-20% premium, amortized with 2,000+ operating hours/year in 3-4 years.
Manufacturers with hybrid large machines 2026: Komatsu (PC390HLC-11 Hybrid), Sany (SY500H), Hitachi (ZX490LCH-7). Forecast: approximately 450 hybrid machines over 40 t will be sold in DACH in 2026.
3. Telematics and Remote Maintenance as Standard
All new machines over 10 t shown at bauma had factory telematics. Manufacturers offer fleet operators dashboards: location, operating hours, fuel consumption, error codes, maintenance intervals. New trend: Predictive maintenance – sensors report wear before the machine fails. Example: Liebherr LiDAT alerts when hydraulic oil temperature rises unusually – indicator of failed pump. Technician can arrive on-site with spare part instead of towing the machine away.
Figures: 78% of all new machines >10 t sold in DACH in 2026 are telematics-capable – but only 42% of operators actively use the features. Reason: lacking IT integration, data protection concerns, insufficient training.
4. BIM Integration and 3D Machine Control
Komatsu, Topcon, Trimble, Leica Geosystems showed systems that import BIM data (Building Information Modeling) directly into machine control. Operator sees target geometry in real time – system prevents over-/under-excavation. Savings: 20-30% time, 15-25% material, virtually zero rework.
Problem: BIM integration costs +€80,000 to +€150,000 per machine. ROI only on projects with tight tolerances (road construction, railway construction, foundation work for industrial buildings). Approximately 1,200 machines with 3D control will be sold in DACH in 2026 – primarily to general contractors and road builders.
5. HVO100 and Alternative Fuels
HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) was prominently promoted at bauma as diesel replacement. All Stage-V engines from Caterpillar, Volvo, Liebherr, Deutz, Perkins are HVO100-compatible. Advantage: 90% CO₂ reduction (well-to-wheel), no engine modification needed. Disadvantage: 20-30% more expensive than diesel (as of Q2 2025: €1.85/l HVO100 vs. €1.42/l diesel in Germany).
Some DACH construction companies (e.g. Max Bögl, PORR) use HVO100 on projects with CO₂ budgets. Forecast: approximately 8% of all diesel construction machines in DACH will run on HVO100 in 2026 – primarily on public large-scale projects.
6. Hydrogen: Still Futuristic
Hydrogen machines were a marginal topic at bauma 2025. JCB showed a prototype wheel loader with H₂ combustion, Liebherr a concept excavator with fuel cell. Both systems are production-ready at earliest 2028-2030. Main problem: lack of H₂ infrastructure on job sites, high costs (H₂ filling station: €1.5-2 million investment).
