JCB trials hydrogen combustion engine 

News Story
- 16 Jan 2025 ( #1213 ) - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
1 min read
JCB telescopic handler
JCB telescopic handler

British equipment maker JCB has confirmed to Forkliftaction News its world-first hydrogen combustion engine is being trialled in real-world conditions in a variety of equipment including its Loadall telescopic handler range.

The confirmation follows news JCB has cleared “significant hurdles” in the development of the hydrogen combustion engine, to secure “landmark rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines”.

JCB says it is the first equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, after three years of work by a team of 150 engineers and an investment of £100 million (USD122.15 million).

JCB says the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to be sold in The Netherlands.

Eleven licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB to sell the hydrogen engines including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Leichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025, according to JCB.

JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, says this is a very significant development.

“To start the new year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology,” Bamford adds. “JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for … equipment.

“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. 

“I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”

JCB says it has produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering equipment including telescopic handlers, generator sets and backhoe loaders.

Testing at customer sites is now in its advanced stages, JCB adds.

Loadalls support British Grand Prix 
Loadalls support British Grand Prix  13 Jul 2017 - Rocester, United Kingdom - 2 min read
And the Oscar comes from …
And the Oscar comes from … 3 Mar 2016 - Hollywood, CA, United States - 1 min read
Manitou adds to its telescopic handler series
Manitou adds to its telescopic handler series 14 Jul 2005 - WACO, TX, United States - <1 min read
Previously about:
JCB to double size of US plant after tariff announcement News Story - 10 Apr 2025 - San Antonio, TX, United States - 1 min read
India’s armed forces orders 1,868 forklifts News Story - 27 Feb 2025 - New Delhi, India - 1 min read
King Charles helps JCB celebrate News Story - 27 Feb 2025 - Staffordshire, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

PREMIUM business

Hangzhou Manforce Material Handling Equipment Co., Ltd
Specializing in Nichi and conventional forklift products, we create significant value for all our partners!

Use your high-impact banner on our high-traffic technical forum pages to promote your products, services, or career opportunities directly to forklift technicians and engineers.

Starting at just $396 (USD) for 100,000 impressions.

Since our launch in February 2005, Forkliftaction has been home to the leading global discussion forum for forklift technicians, attracting 98,000 visits every week.

Spaces are limited—contact us today!

Words of support …

Undoubtedly, peer experience plays a crucially important role in our industry and it is extremely valuable for us to be part of the platform, where industry professionals, as well as end users can discuss and learn more about the materials handling world.

Alexandra Artemova, Marketing Specialist - Rocla AGV Solutions

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Use your high-impact banner on our high-traffic technical forum pages to promote your products, services, or career opportunities directly to forklift technicians and engineers.

Starting at just $396 (USD) for 100,000 impressions.

Since our launch in February 2005, Forkliftaction has been home to the leading global discussion forum for forklift technicians, attracting 98,000 visits every week.

Spaces are limited—contact us today!

Inside The News
There is simply no ignoring the push for a greener, more sustainable materials handling equipment industry as manufacturers and customers alike seek eco-friendly solutions to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions... Continue reading

Showcased in the Virtual Expo

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Use your high-impact banner on our high-traffic technical forum pages to promote your products, services, or career opportunities directly to forklift technicians and engineers.

Starting at just $396 (USD) for 100,000 impressions.

Since our launch in February 2005, Forkliftaction has been home to the leading global discussion forum for forklift technicians, attracting 98,000 visits every week.

Spaces are limited—contact us today!