JCB’s hydrogen engine approved for use in Europe

JCB has made a significant stride toward revolutionising the agricultural and construction sectors with the announcement that 11 European licensing authorities have approved the use of its hydrogen combustion engine in commercial machines.

This marks a milestone in the development of the engine, a project that has been in the works for more than three years with an investment of £100m.

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

The company says it is the first in its industry to produce a fully working hydrogen combustion engine.

Licensing authorities in countries including the UK, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands have granted permission for the engine’s sale and use across Europe.

Additional certifications are expected in 2025.

“This is a very significant moment for JCB,” said Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB.

“To start the New Year with certification in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology.”

Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB © JCB

He also expressed pride in the British engineers who led the development effort, citing their hard work and dedication to this breakthrough.

The hydrogen-powered engines have already been integrated into a range of machines, including backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers and generator sets, with more than 130 evaluation engines produced.

JCB’s testing has accumulated 50,000 hours of operation and 25,000km on the road, confirming the real-world viability of the technology.

Speaking at last week’s Oxford Farming Conference, Tim Burnhope, JCB’s group director of special projects, highlighted the potential for hydrogen fuel to decarbonise agriculture.

He noted that local production of hydrogen, potentially on farms, could make the technology more accessible and cost-effective.