JCB debuts hydrogen combustion engine

The wraps will come off JCB’s brand new hydrogen combustion engine. The company’s zero-carbon emission solution for construction and agricultural equipment, will be unveiled at the Conexpo 2023 show in Las Vegas as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).

“The JCB engineering team has made enormous strides in a short space of time to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine and it already powers a JCB prototype backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler. As the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, I’m delighted we are now able to present this technology on the international stage”, according to JCB Chairman Lord Bamford.

JCB has been responsible for a series of industry innovations on its ‘Road to Zero’.  The company developed the world’s first battery-electric mini excavator and has been at the forefront of electric technology development to meet customers’ demands for zero-carbon products with its E-TECH range.

JCB’s commitment to reducing emissions goes back almost 25 years and its latest diesel engines have already delivered a 97% reduction in NOx emissions since 1999 and a 98% reduction in particulates. Today JCB’s diesel-powered machines also emit 50% less CO2 compared with those manufactured in 2010. JCB’s clean diesel engine technology will also be showcased on the stand in Las Vegas.

A team of 100 engineers has been working on the development for more than a year and the 50th JCB hydrogen combustion engine has now come off the production line as part of the development process.

JCB invested £100 million to produce these efficient hydrogen engines and this investment is going full steam ahead.