JCB has secured the first full EU type-approval of its hydrogen engine for use in off-road mobile machinery.
This means that the hydrogen engine has been approved for sale and for use in machines and third-party OEM equipment in each of the 27 EU member states, and all other territories recognising EU type-approvals.
“This is another very significant moment for JCB’s hydrogen programme,” said JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, who added that it was not so long ago that some said that it was game over for the internal combustion engine in Europe. “For JCB to have secured full EU type-approval is proof positive that the combustion engine does indeed have a promising future.”
Lord Bamford continued that the focus is now on bringing hydrogen technology to market. “JCB customers are patiently waiting for our hydrogen-powered equipment to make a difference on their job sites. They won’t have much longer to wait.”
JCB reckons to be the first construction equipment company to develop a fully approved combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the £100 million development for nearly four years.
More than 130 evaluation engines have been produced. These power backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real world pre-launch testing is said to be at an advanced stage.
This latest news follows the British government’s end of April decision to change the law to allow hydrogen powered construction and agricultural machinery to drive on the road between sites and between farms.
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