JCB has passed another significant milestone on its pioneering hydrogen technology development programme after securing the first full EU type-approval of its hydrogen engine for use in non-road mobile machinery.
This development means that JCB’s hydrogen engine has been approved for sale and use in machines and third-party OEM equipment in each of the 27 EU member states, and all other territories recognising EU type-approvals (e.g. EEA and EFTA territories). The EU type-approval certificate has been issued by Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 and certifies JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine to prevailing EU Stage V emissions norms. The EU type-approval follows earlier landmark rulings by licensing authorities in nine mainland European countries, allowing the engine to be used commercially in machines in those countries under ‘new technology’ provisions.
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: ‘This is another significant moment for JCB’s hydrogen programme. Not so long ago, some said it was ‘game over’ for the internal combustion engine in Europe. For JCB to have secured full EU type-approval is proof positive that the combustion engine has a promising future in pursuit of a net-zero world if hydrogen, a zero CO2 fuel, is used instead of fossil fuels.’
Lord Bamford added: ‘I could not be more delighted for the JCB team that put so much work into getting us to this stage. Now, our focus will be on bringing our hydrogen technology to market. JCB’s customers patiently wait for our hydrogen-powered equipment to make a difference on their job sites. They won’t have much longer to wait.’
GB approval was granted rapidly, initially for the ‘new-technology’, and now as full type-approval.
JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully approved combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen. A team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for nearly four years.
JCB has already produced over 130 evaluation engines that power backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers, and generator sets. Real-world pre-launch testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment is now at an advanced stage and is progressing well.
Public sector organisations that are members of The Procurement Partnership can learn more about this exciting development at the Municipal Fleet & Plant Procurement Event at JCB HQ in Rocester and the JCB Kevin Quarry on July 16. For more information about this event, visit https://www.mfppe.co.uk/.
