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Hybridization of heavy machinery is in its early phase but it is likely to increase in coming years. This research presents a comparison of the energy efficiency of a conventional, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell hybrid powertrains in mobile work machines. The cost effectiveness of different powertrain technologies is also analyzed by lifecycle cost calculations for an underground mining loader. The comparison is based on the modeling and simulation work carried out in the Autonomie vehicle simulation software. The conventional powertrain model, diesel engine with a mechanical driveline, corresponds to an underground mining loader. The hybrid models have series hybrid powertrain and a battery pack as energy storage. For assuring equal comparison, all powertrain models have comparable operating performance. Simulations are carried out in a specific duty cycle which had been previously measured in a real mine.