MAN Engines has presented what it has called a "groundbreaking hydrogen combustion engine" for off-road applications. 

The MAN H4576 is designed for high-performance machinery in the 500 hp class. With a displacement of 16.8 litres, it is is based on the proven engine geometry of the MAN D3876 diesel engine and shares about 80 per cent of its basic components with it.

The MAN H4576 has modifications to the hydrogen supply, engine control and exhaust gas control to ensure efficient combustion.

The only relevant emissions that occur as potential by-products of H2 combustion and could end up in the exhaust gas to a significant extent are nitrogen oxides (NOx). In order to reduce this to almost zero, MAN Engines relies on an advanced combustion process and an established exhaust gas aftertreatment system. 

The combination of hydrogen combustion engine and exhaust gas aftertreatment meets the EU Stage V and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) emission standards.

In the development of the MAN H4576, MAN Engines benefits from its extensive experience in hydrogen engine technology and know-how in the field of gas engines for a wide range of applications. 

As early as 1996, MAN presented a hydrogen-powered bus at the Hannover Messe. 

This SL 202 city bus was powered by a natural gas engine that had been modified for hydrogen operation. 

Werner Kübler, head of engineering at MAN Engines, said: "We started early on to deal with environmentally friendly drives. We are still benefiting from this pioneering role in technology today." 

The engine has been shown off during Agritechnica 2023.