JCB has taken another important step in the development of hydrogen engines by obtaining the first full European homologation, in all 27 member states, for its hydrogen engine intended for non-road mobile machinery. The approval was issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 for sale and use in OEM machinery and equipment, and certifies JCB's hydrogen combustion engine to current Stage V emissions standards.
" This is another very important moment for JCB. Not so long ago, some were saying that it was the end of the internal combustion engine in Europe. The fact that JCB has achieved full EU approval proves that the combustion engine does indeed have a promising future in the pursuit of a net zero emissions world if hydrogen, a CO2 emission-free fuel, is used in place of fossil fuels," said Lord Bamford, Chairman of JCB.
This milestone is the culmination of several years of research and investment. 150 engineers have been working for almost four years on this development, which represented an investment of £100 million. 130 evaluation motors have already been produced and are fitted on backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers and generator sets. Pre-launch tests under real-life conditions on equipment fitted with JCB's hydrogen engine are now underway.
" We will now concentrate on bringing our hydrogen technology to market. JCB customers are waiting patiently for our hydrogen-powered equipment to make a difference on their worksites. They won't have long to wait," stresses Lord Bamford.
