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JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine approved for sale across Europe

A zero-emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment

A gentleman poses with a green hydrogen combustion engine against a black background
Lord Bamford pictured with JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine. JCB

JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working hydrogen combustion engine, which is now approved for sale across Europe. JCB's team of 150 engineers has been working on the $121 million development project for over three years.

"This is a very significant moment for JCB," says JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company's hydrogen engine project. "To start the new year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero-emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment."

JCB cleared significant hurdles in developing the hydrogen engine, and after securing rulings from 11 licensing authorities, it can now be used commercially in machines. Authorities in other countries are set to follow suit with certification in 2025, says the company. 

"This formal type of approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the U.K. and Europe," says Bamford. "I couldn't have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage."

Eleven certifications with more on the way

The Netherlands' Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to be sold in the Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW's lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein, with more nations set to follow this year.

JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines, which are powering backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers, and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB's hydrogen equipment on contractors' sites is now at an advanced stage and progressing well, according to JCB.

In 2023 we visited JCB to learn about hydrogen combustion engine development and saw the equipment in action. Check it out here.

Lord Bamford receives official certification from RDW officials André van de Visser and Marc Feijen allowing the sale of hydrogen combustion engines in the Netherlands. JCB

Company info

2000 Bamford Blvd
Pooler, GA
US, 31322

Website:
jcb.com

Phone number:
912-447-2000

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