JCB’s groundbreaking hydrogen-powered engine will make its public debut at a UK agricultural event during the Royal Highland Show, held from Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22 at Ingliston, Edinburgh.
The innovative engine will take centre stage in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Show Society’s (RHASS) Presidential Solutions Hub, a showcase dedicated to cutting-edge technologies designed to support Net Zero climate goals.
Backed by a £100 million investment, the hydrogen engine has been under development for nearly four years by a team of 150 JCB engineers. The result is a zero-emission power unit that mirrors the performance of JCB’s renowned DieselMAX engine—used across the company’s range of backhoe loaders, Loadall telehandlers, and other machinery.
Since the creation of the first prototype, 130 evaluation units have been built and subjected to rigorous testing. Several of these engines are now undergoing real-world trials with plant hire companies, delivering promising performance across various on-site scenarios. JCB has also developed tailored hydrogen refuelling solutions to support these trials.
Significant regulatory progress has accelerated the path to commercialisation. In January, JCB announced that several European vehicle licensing authorities had certified the hydrogen engine for sale, with further approvals anticipated. In April, the UK government amended road vehicle regulations, clearing the way for hydrogen-powered agricultural and construction machinery to operate on public roads. By May, the engine had secured full EU type-approval, complying with Stage V emissions standards and enabling use in JCB and other OEM off-highway equipment.
RHASS President representatives praised JCB’s contribution to this year’s Solutions Hub. “Over the past year, we’ve championed innovative tools to help farmers meet the Net Zero challenge,” they stated. “We are delighted to welcome JCB’s hydrogen engine to the show. It offers a practical green energy alternative while preserving the reliability and familiarity of internal combustion technology.”
JCB’s participation underscores the agricultural sector’s growing commitment to sustainable solutions without compromising on performance or operational familiarity.