US debut for JCB’s hydrogen engine

Lord Bamford says that JCB has made enormous strides in a short space of time to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine

JCB will showcase its hydrogen combustion technology on the international stage for the first time with a debut in North America.

The OEMs new hydrogen combustion engine – the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment – will be shown at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023 in Las Vegas, US, as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).

“The JCB engineering team has made enormous strides in a short space of time to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine and it already powers a JCB prototype backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic hander,” said JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford.

“As the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, I’m delighted we are now able to present this technology on the international stage.”

JCB says that it has been focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) for the construction equipment sector and has been at the forefront of electric technology development to meet customers’ demands for zero-carbon products.

The OEM has one of the construction industry’s largest portfolios of electric equipment.

The manufacturer added that its diesel-powered machines emit 50% less CO2 compared with those manufactured in 2010 and that its clean diesel engine technology will also be showcased on the stand in Las Vegas.