JCB has announced a “landmark start” to 2025 after securing rulings from licensing authorities that clear its hydrogen combustion engine for use.
JCB Is the first construction equipment company in the world to develop a fully working combustion engine that is fuellled by hydrogen, with the approval of use the cumulation of three years of work and £100 million worth of funding.
Across Europe, 11 licensing authorities have given it the green light for use, with the Netherlands becoming the first and joined by Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Other countries are expected to follow with certification for the engine during 2025 too.
JCB highlighted how it has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines. These have been used to power backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of its hydrogen equipment on customer sites are said to be at an “advanced stage and progressing well”.
