JCB Targets New Land Speed Record Using Hydrogen

The News Front Podcast

The News Front Podcast
JCB Targets New Land Speed Record Using Hydrogen
May 18, 2026
JCB is returning to the Bonneville Salt Flats to challenge the world land speed record, this time pushing the boundaries of hydrogen technology. Twenty years after the historic success of the JCB Dieselmax, the British engineering leader is debuting the JCB Hydromax. Piloted by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the 32-foot vehicle is powered by JCB’s proprietary hydrogen internal combustion engines, a project born from a £100 million investment and five years of intensive research. This ambitious endeavor serves as a high-speed showcase for the robustness and scalability of hydrogen power within heavy equipment. As JCB transitions from experimental prototypes to production-line hydrogen diggers, the record attempt highlights the company’s commitment to decarbonizing the construction sector. By leveraging its world-class engineering expertise, JCB aims to prove that hydrogen is a viable, high-performance alternative to traditional fuels. Beyond the pursuit of speed, this project underscores the pivotal role of British manufacturing in driving global sustainable innovation. The record attempt reinforces JCB’s position at the forefront of heavy industry, demonstrating that the future of heavy machinery is cleaner, more efficient, and capable of achieving historic milestones on the global stage.

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🌐 Visit https://jcb.com