JCB has achieved a major milestone in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine, securing approvals from licensing authorities for its commercial use in machinery. This makes JCB the first construction equipment company to successfully create a fully operational hydrogen-powered combustion engine.
The breakthrough comes after a £100 million investment and over three years of work by a team of 150 engineers. The Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority, RDW, was the first to grant official certification, allowing the engine to be sold in the Netherlands. This approval has since been followed by licensing bodies in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Additional certifications from other countries are expected by 2025.
Anthony Bamford, JCB Chairman, hailed the achievement as a significant step forward. “This is a very important moment for JCB. Starting the new year with certifications across so many European countries is a strong sign for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has demonstrated that this is a viable zero-emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment,” he said.
Bamford added, “This certification opens the door for the sale and use of hydrogen engines throughout the UK and Europe. It’s an excellent start to the year, and I’m incredibly proud of our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this point.”
The approval marks a major step in JCB’s efforts to advance sustainable technology in the construction and agricultural sectors, positioning hydrogen as a key player in the transition to zero-emission machinery.
