World’s first hydrogen digger set for UK roads
The first digger powered by a hydrogen combustion engine will soon be on UK roads and building sites, according to JCB. The Transport Secretary has issued a vehicle special order that allows JCB to test its new hydrogen-powered machine on the public highway.
This backhoe loader is the first of its kind and will reduce emissions on construction sites. The new engines are the result of a £100 million investment project to develop new lower emission powertrains.
“JCB’s prototype hydrogen-powered backhoe loader is an important first step in the construction industry’s efforts to decarbonise in what is a ‘hard to decarbonise’ sector,” said Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman.
“Hydrogen combustion machines can play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions in settings where other types of clean power may not be the most practical or efficient.”