A team of 100 engineers is already working on the new development.
JCB targets the end of 2022 for the first machines to be available for sale to customers. The wraps have already come off a prototype hydrogen powered JCB backhoe loader and a second JCB machine - a Loadall telescopic handler - was unveiled at a central London event attended by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. JCB is world market leader for both backhoe loaders and telescopic handlers.
JCB’s hydrogen technology will be next on show in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow as world leaders debate measures to drastically reduce greenhouse emissions. JCB’s emergence as a leader in zero-emission hydrogen technology comes as governments around the world unveil strategies to develop the infrastructure needed to support the use of hydrogen to drive down CO2 emissions.
JCB is investing in hydrogen as they don’t see electric being the all-round solution, particularly not for construction industry because it can only be used to power smaller machines. It does mean JCB will carry on making engines, but they will be super-efficient, affordable, high-tech hydrogen motors with zero CO2 emissions, which can be brought to market quickly using their existing supply base. JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing them at plants in Derbyshire and in Delhi, India. This year JCB will celebrate a major milestone: the production of its 750,000th engine. Source