
JCB hydrogen engine has been authorised in 10 European countries
The efforts of 150 determined JCB staff who have been working on their hydrogen engine, for more than three years, have finally paid off. The project has fully secured type approvals from 11 licensing authorities from 10 countries across Europe. This means the hydrogen combustion engine can be used commercially in machines in these places.
JCB chairman Anthony Bamford said: “To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.
“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. 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.”
The Netherlands were the first country to give the new type of engine the green light, with the Dutch vehicle authority RDW issuing the initial official certificate. The other licensing bodies in Europe following their lead are Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Spain, France, Finland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein.
More than 130 evaluation engines for testing have been produced. These are currently powering backhoe loaders, telehandlers and generators. JCB have said that real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment is in advanced stage and “progressing well”.