A Sustainable Revolution in Construction, Goods Vehicles, and Agriculture
JCB, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment, is making significant strides in the development of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) as part of its commitment to sustainable and zero-emission technologies.
The company’s innovative approach to utilising hydrogen combustion engines for a wide range of applications, including construction machinery, light and heavy goods vehicles, and agricultural equipment, positions JCB as a front-runner in the global shift toward clean energy solutions.
The Development of Hydrogen Technology at JCB
In recent years, JCB has invested heavily in pioneering hydrogen combustion technology. To date, the company has committed £100 million to the development of H2ICEs, assembling a dedicated team of 150 engineers tasked with creating hydrogen-powered engines for commercial machinery.
This significant investment has led to the creation of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine, which powers JCB’s heavy machinery like backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers. These hydrogen engines function similarly to their diesel counterparts, but with one crucial difference: they produce zero harmful emissions, making them ideal for industries aiming to meet global sustainability goals.
JCB’s hydrogen engines offer a promising solution for the decarbonisation of hard-to-electrify sectors, such as construction and agriculture. Unlike battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen combustion engines are not constrained by the need for lengthy recharging times and provide a continuous power source, which is critical for heavy-duty machinery used on construction sites and farms.
Hydrogen-Powered Equipment: Use Cases and Testing
JCB’s hydrogen engines are currently being tested and evaluated in a range of machinery, including backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers, and even generator sets. The company has already produced over 130 evaluation engines, with real-world testing taking place across various customer sites. These hydrogen-powered machines have performed effectively, meeting the demanding power requirements of the construction and agricultural sectors, showcasing the technology’s feasibility and efficiency in everyday operations.
The company’s commitment to hydrogen technology extends beyond just machinery; JCB is also exploring its use in goods vehicles. In a recent demonstration, JCB retrofitted a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck with one of its hydrogen combustion engines, proving that the technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing vehicle platforms. This step marks a critical milestone in the expansion of hydrogen engines into the light and heavy goods vehicle sectors.
The Future of Hydrogen in Goods Vehicles
JCB’s innovative hydrogen combustion technology is not confined to the construction and agricultural sectors. The company’s recent success in retrofitting hydrogen engines into a Mercedes truck is just one example of how hydrogen could be used to power light and heavy goods vehicles. This development has opened the door for future collaborations with other manufacturers to produce hydrogen-powered vehicles that can serve the commercial transportation market. In parallel, Toyota’s development of hydrogen-powered Hilux pickup trucks further demonstrates the growing trend toward hydrogen adoption in transportation.
The environmental benefits of hydrogen-powered vehicles are significant. Unlike their fossil-fuelled counterparts, hydrogen vehicles produce only water vapour as a byproduct, making them an ideal solution for reducing carbon emissions in the goods transportation sector. Hydrogen engines also offer longer ranges and quicker refuelling times compared to battery electric vehicles, making them particularly well-suited for long-distance trucking and applications in industries that require high uptime.
JCB has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining approval for its hydrogen combustion engine from 11 European licensing authorities, enabling its commercial use and sale across Europe.
Certification and Regulatory Approvals
One of the most significant achievements for JCB came in January 2025, when the company received certification for its hydrogen combustion engines from 11 European licensing authorities, including key markets in Great Britain, Germany, and France. This regulatory approval means that JCB’s hydrogen-powered machinery is now eligible for commercial sale in these regions, offering the potential for widespread adoption across construction and agricultural industries. The Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first to grant certification, and other countries are expected to follow suit throughout 2025, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, paving the way for the commercial roll-out of these environmentally friendly machines.
This approval allows JCB to commercially sell and utilise its hydrogen-powered machinery across these European markets. The company has already produced over 130 hydrogen engines, which are currently being used in backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers, and generator sets. Real-world testing of these hydrogen-powered equipment is underway at customer sites, demonstrating the practical application and reliability of the technology.
JCB Chairman Lord Anthony Bamford expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology.”
The successful certification of JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine marks a pivotal step in the company’s commitment to providing zero-emission solutions for the construction and agricultural sectors, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.
Market Growth and Outlook
While exact sales figures for JCB’s hydrogen-powered machinery have not been publicly disclosed, the market for hydrogen internal combustion engines is expected to experience explosive growth in the coming years. According to industry projections, the global market for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines is expected to expand to around 36,400 units by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.0% from 2031 to 2035. This growth is reflective of the broader push toward zero-emission technologies across multiple sectors, including construction, agriculture, and goods transportation.
JCB’s continued focus on hydrogen technology positions the company as a key player in the green transition, with its machinery and engines playing a pivotal role in the decarbonisation of industries that have historically been challenging to electrify. The development of hydrogen-powered equipment and vehicles offers a sustainable solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and JCB’s leadership in this space further reinforces its commitment to a greener future.
JCB’s hydrogen internal combustion engine technology represents a significant step forward in the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. By developing and deploying hydrogen-powered engines in construction machinery, goods vehicles, and agricultural equipment, JCB is helping drive the shift toward zero-emission solutions across multiple industries. As global demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuel-powered machines and vehicles continues to grow, JCB is well-positioned to capitalize on this transformative technology, which promises to reshape industries and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Through its innovations, JCB is not only pioneering new ways to reduce emissions but also making hydrogen technology more accessible and practical for real-world applications, cementing its role as a leader in the green transition.
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