JCB Celebrates Historic Legislation: Hydrogen-Powered Machinery Hits UK Roads
Key Ideas
  • JCB paraded a hydrogen-powered excavator through London to celebrate the new law allowing hydrogen-fuelled non-road mobile machinery on UK roads.
  • The Transport Minister signed the statutory instrument, enabling the use of hydrogen-powered construction and agricultural machinery, marking a historic moment for JCB.
  • JCB invested over £100m to develop hydrogen combustion engines, receiving positive feedback from customers who found the technology simple to use and on par with diesel counterparts.
  • The move signifies the UK's commitment to the net zero transition, supporting innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a future with zero-carbon fuel in the construction and agricultural machinery industries.
JCB marked a significant milestone as a hydrogen-powered excavator crossed Westminster Bridge in London to celebrate the legalization of hydrogen-powered machinery on UK roads. The change in legislation, signed by Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, now allows hydrogen-fuelled non-road mobile machinery to operate on public roads. This decision follows JCB chairman Anthony Bamford's initiative to develop a hydrogen combustion engine for JCB's machines, a move lauded as 'historic.' The JCB team's efforts have received praise from customers, claiming the hydrogen technology is user-friendly and comparable to diesel machinery. The Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, emphasized the government's support for British businesses, highlighting the collaboration with JCB to embrace the net zero transition and drive innovation. JCB's substantial investment in hydrogen combustion engines has resulted in the testing of various hydrogen-powered equipment, such as telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders, across the UK. This development signifies a leap towards a future with zero-carbon fuel in the construction and agricultural machinery sectors, aligning with the UK's Plan for Change and emphasizing the importance of sustainability and innovation in the industry.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.