JCB has taken the next step in the development of hydrogen technology by equipping a Mercedes Sprinter commercial vehicle with its hydrogen internal combustion engine. This diesel vehicle was converted in just two weeks. The JCB internal combustion engine used is the same as that used for prototype hydrogen-powered agricultural and construction machinery.
" We fitted this vehicle with a JCB hydrogen engine to show how simple it would be to convert existing utility vehicles, but also to demonstrate that construction and agricultural machinery are not the only machines that can be powered by hydrogen. Even if JCB has no intention of converting commercial vehicles, it proves that there are other solutions than batteries that can work effectively," says Lord Bamford, Chairman of the JCB Group. This is the second Mercedes vehicle to be equipped with a JCB hydrogen engine, since a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck was fitted earlier this year.
JCB has already produced over 70 hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, powering prototype JCB backhoe loaders and telescopic handlers.
