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JCB Secures Approval for ‘World’s First’ Hydrogen Engine

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JCB Hydrogen Engine
Hydrogen powering the future. (Photo: Courtesy)

UK construction machinery manufacturer JCB has been given the green light to use its hydrogen combustion engine in commercial equipment – a major breakthrough for the firm.

Announced on 10 January, the development is a ‘world first’ for construction machinery.

It has been confirmed that the company’s hydrogen engine has secured the necessary licences from eleven European authorities, allowing it to be legally sold across Europe. JCB also stated that certification for other countries will follow in 2025.

“This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology,” said JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford. “This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines across the UK and Europe.”

The first official certification was issued by the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW, with other licensing bodies in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein following suit.

The company plans additional certifications in other countries next year.

RELATED: JCB ‘Zero Carbon’ Hydrogen Engine Debuts at US Expo

To date, JCB has produced more than 130 evaluation engines, powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers, and generator sets, which have played a vital role in testing and refining hydrogen combustion technology.

The company’s hydrogen combustion engine prototype first appeared in January 2023 and had its international launch at the CONEXPO trade show last March. The project has cost JCB approximately $122 million over three years, with 150 engineers involved.

While the approval is a significant milestone, there is still no fixed date for when hydrogen-powered machines will be available on the market.

The JCB hydrogen engine, which already powers a prototype backhoe loader and telescopic handler, is the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction equipment.

RELATED: JCB Launches Its First-Ever Electric Dumper, Telehandler

Designed to use a new combustion technology, it replaces diesel fuel with hydrogen gas. Using established engine technology and readily available components, hydrogen is ignited, delivering power in the same way as a diesel engine.

“We’ve kept the DNA of the engine; the only difference is the fuel, which is clean-burning hydrogen gas,” says Ryan Ballard, a senior director at JCB.

JCB is no stranger to such innovations.

The company created the world’s first battery-electric mini excavator and has led electric technology development for zero-carbon equipment with its E-TECH range.

It now holds the largest electric lineup in the construction industry.

James Baraza, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from JKUAT, specializes in heavy equipment and brings 10+ years of construction industry experience and technical expertise to his reporting.