Liebherr’s concept for a new way of hauling material, the S1 Vision, will be displayed at this year’s bauma 2025 exhibition, taking place from 7 to 13 April in Munich, Germany. Born from a vision to rethink truck design and focus only on core components, the S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle and two tyres.
The truck is designed to be scalable, with a payload ranging from 220 kg up to 131 t. Because of this payload versatility, it says the S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, farming and agriculture, construction and mining. The prototype truck is currently also still under consideration for the Innovation Award at bauma.
This innovation was a collaborative effort between Liebherr Corporate Ventures AG, the Group’s business unit for innovation and technology development, and Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co., the Group’s mining truck R&D and manufacturing facility.
The technology has now become an important innovation beyond the mining division and could prove itself as pioneering for several product segments – Liebherr has therefore decided to continue working on this at Group level in order to optimise synergies across the Group.
So that the truck can operate effectively on a single axle, the S1 Vision features a self-levelling system that ensures maximum stability and safety, even on bumpy or rough terrain. This technology significantly reduces the risk of tipping, providing smooth and secure operation across various environments. The S1 Vision’s zero-turn radius means the truck can easily turn on the spot and travel all directions, making it ideal for applications in tight spaces that require precise movements and flexibility.
This haulage concept was designed with cutting-edge technology in mind. The S1 Vision is powered by an electric drive, providing a haulage solution that significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during operation. It is also equipped with advanced sensors so the truck can navigate independently, avoid obstacles and efficiently manage traffic. Furthermore, if multiple S1 Vision trucks are operating in the one location, the system enables them to connect and share real-time information, which optimises fleet operations, reduces congestion and enhances overall efficiency.
The vehicle’s design allows for rapid maintenance, with critical components easily accessible for quick servicing. The fact that wear parts can be replaced efficiently and the electric drive reduces overall maintenance work further minimises downtime and increases operational efficiency.
The customisable design and lightweight structure of this concept means the S1 Vision can be easily transported, lowering logistics costs and GHG emissions – all of which contributes to a sustainable, cost-effective haulage solution suitable for diverse operational environments.
The OEM concludes: “It is not without reason that Liebherr is presenting itself at the exhibition under the motto ‘Hands on the future’: on an area spanning roughly 14,000 m2, Liebherr is displaying more than 70 future-focused exhibits from 8 out of its 13 product segments. But nowhere else on the booth the motto better comes to light than in Liebherr’s own InnovationLab, which the S1 is also a part of. Here Liebherr shows how the Group is tackling tomorrow’s challenges already today and which future-orientated technologies play a special role.”
This also contributes to the idea of the motto that Liebherr is always working hand-in-hand with its customers to offer future-proof solutions, proving themselves as a dependable partner. The S1 combines two of these pioneering technologies, namely machine autonomy and new drive technology that enables zero-emission operations.
