JCB retrofits hydrogen engine into truck

JCB has retrofitted a hydrogen combustion technology into a 7.5 tonne Mercedes truck.

The retrofit of the engine was completed in a number of days with the internal combustion engine used the same as those already powering JCB prototype construction and agricultural machines.

JCB has already manufactured 50 hydrogen internal combustion engines in a project involving 150 engineers. The engines power prototype JCB backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler machines.

The technology follows JCB in 2022 developing a mobile hydrogen refueller which provides a quick and straightforward way to refuel machines on site. JCB’s hydrogen internal combustion engines are manufactured at JCB Power Systems in Derbyshire.

Lord Bamford said: “This is a giant leap forward for JCB and the rest of the world because we all have one goal: to reduce emissions.

“The hydrogen engine we have installed in the truck is the same as those already powering prototype JCB machines, so there is no reason we should not see hydrogen combustion engines in vehicles used on the roads in the future, including cars.”

Image courtesy of JCB