JCB Introduces World-First Hydrogen Combustion Engine for Telescopic Handlers
Key Ideas
  • JCB has successfully developed a hydrogen combustion engine for its telescopic handler range, marking a significant advancement in zero-emission technology.
  • The company has received official certification from multiple European licensing authorities, allowing for commercial use of the hydrogen engines.
  • This achievement comes after three years of work by a team of 150 engineers and an investment of £100 million, with testing currently in advanced stages at customer sites.
  • JCB's chairman highlights the importance of this milestone, emphasizing the future potential of hydrogen combustion technology for equipment in the UK and Europe.
British equipment maker JCB has unveiled its groundbreaking hydrogen combustion engine, which is currently undergoing real-world trials in various equipment, including their Loadall telescopic handler range. The company has overcome significant challenges in the development process, securing landmark rulings from licensing authorities for commercial use of the engine. JCB is recognized as the first equipment company to achieve a fully functional combustion engine powered by hydrogen, following a substantial investment of £100 million and the dedicated work of 150 engineers over three years. Certification has been granted by eleven European countries, with more expected in 2025. JCB's chairman, Anthony Bamford, expressed pride in the achievements of the British engineering team and highlighted the importance of this certification for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. The company has already produced over 130 evaluation engines that are currently powering various equipment, with testing progressing well at customer sites. This milestone signifies a major step towards zero-emission solutions for equipment, paving the way for widespread adoption of hydrogen engines in the UK and Europe.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.