Under a vehicle special order, given by the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, the backhoe loader, powered by a hydrogen ICE will soon be on UK roads and building sites as the UK looks to decarbonise its hard-to-abate sectors.
Said to be the ‘world’s first’ hydrogen digger, the JCB manufactured vehicle received its unveiling during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June (2022).
Read more: ‘World’s first’ hydrogen digger receives royal unveiling
In January (2023), JCB announced it was set to unveil the hydrogen ICE that has already powered the prototype backhoe loader, as well as its loadall telescopic handler.
Read more: JCB to unveil brand new hydrogen combustion engine
“Securing 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,” said Lord Bamford, Chairman of JCB. “It’s an endorsement that JCB is on the right path in pursuit of its Net Zero ambitions.”
Jesse Norman, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, commented, “JCB’s investment in greener equipment is a great example of how industry can make this happen, using alternative fuels to generate sustainable economic growth.”
H2 View understands Minister Norman will visit JCB’s Staffordshire headquarters today, where he will see the digger take to the road near the factory where it was created.
The approval comes after JCB announced in 2021 that intended to invest £100m ($121m) in developing new, innovative hydrogen engines.
Read more: JCB investing £100m in developing super-efficient hydrogen engines
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