A new ruling from licensing authorities will allow the JCB hydrogen engine to be used commercially, according to a new statement from the company.
The company is reportedly the first construction equipment manufacturer to develop a fully working hydrogen combustion engine; a project headed up by a team of 150 engineers with an investment of £100m.
Eleven licensing authorities across Europe have given permission for the engine to be sold, with more authorities set to follow suit. The Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority was the first, with other authorities including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein.
JCB chairman, Anthony Bamford, said: “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology. JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero-emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment.
“This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.”
For more information go to www.jcb.com
