Following the launch of its hydrogen-powered Loadall and backhoe loader, JCB has unveiled a new mobile refuelling system as it seeks to develop its hydrogen range.

A claimed industry first, the hydrogen refueller comes as the manufacturer has pledged £100m towards the development of hydrogen engines – with several prototypes already being worked and trialled.

Instead of a tank and filling station setup, the new system works by taking the hydrogen from on-site tube trailers, and delivering the fuel directly to the machines – something that is already common practice with fossil fuels within the construction industry.

See also: JCB’s hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine examined

JCB chairman Lord Bamford is leading the hydrogen project, which currently employs 100 engineers tasked with developing the machines.

He said: “Fossil fuels are not the future and hydrogen is the practical solution to powering our machines in the decades to come.

“Our British engineers are doing a fantastic job in developing this technology and there are many more exciting developments to come.”