JCB’s ‘world first’ hydrogen combustion engine approved for commercial use

The company said it was a “world first” for construction machinery.

“Eleven licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025,” the company said.

Lord Anthony Bamford receives official certification from a Netherlands authority to use hydrogen combustion engines in construction machinery. (Image: JCB)

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford added, “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe.”

JCB said the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. The OEM said licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification in 2025.

The company said it has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines for backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets.

JCB first unveiled the prototype engine in January 2023 before an international debut at CONEXPO that March. The OEM said it invested around US$122 million into the project over the last three years with 150 engineers involved.

A spokesperson for JCB told Construction Briefing there is not yet a projected date for when HCE machines would be available to purchase.