World鈥檚 first hydrogen backhoe gets permission to drive on UK roads
09 February 2023
The British government has given special dispensation for JCB to use its hydrogen-powered backhoe loader on UK roads.
A JCB 4.8 L hydrogen engine, producing 70 kW, has been fitted into this JCB backhoe loader. Photo: JCB
The loader 鈥� the first of its type in the world to be powered by hydrogen combustion 鈥� was the subject of a special order, given by the transport secretary, allowing it to be tested and used on public highways.
The government says the move will help with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as aiding the economy, , plus hundreds more expected.
Technology and decarbonisation minister Jesse Norman said, 鈥淔rom cars to construction sites, industry has a vital role in decarbonising our economy and creating green jobs and prosperity.
鈥� is a great example of how industry can make this happen, using alternative fuels to generate sustainable economic growth.鈥�
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said, 鈥淪ecuring this vehicle special order from the Department for Transport is an important first step in getting JCB machines that are powered by hydrogen combustion engines to and from British building sites using the public highway. It鈥檚 an endorsement that JCB is on the right path in pursuit of its net zero ambitions.鈥�
On the machine itself, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a real breakthrough 鈥� a zero CO2 fuel providing the power to drive the pistons in an internal combustion engine, a technology that鈥檚 been around for over 100 years, a technology that we are all familiar with.鈥�
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