JCB unveils new mobile hydrogen refueller

Following the development of the world’s first working construction machines powered by hydrogen, JCB has unveiled another first for the industry – a mobile hydrogen refueller.

The refueller forms part of a £100m project by JCB to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines. The project has already showcased working prototypes of a backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler powered by hydrogen.

The mobile refueller aims to provide a quick and easy way for customers to refuel their machines on site. JCB says that around 97% of construction machines have fuel delivered to them while on site, meaning customers are already used to a transportable fuel.

JCB’s £100m investment in hydrogen power continues with the unveiling of the first hydrogen refueller / Picture: JCB

JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who is leading JCB’s hydrogen project, said: “Since we became the first construction equipment company to unveil machines powered by hydrogen, many have asked how they can be refuelled. Well, today we have an answer with our new mobile hydrogen refuelling system, which allows hydrogen to be taken from on-site tube trailers and distributed to machines by our refueller as they work on the job site. This is no different to today when diesel is taken in bowsers to refuel machines.

“Fossil fuels are not the future and hydrogen is the practical solution to powering our machines in the decades to come. Our British engineers are doing a fantastic job in developing this technology and there are many more exciting developments to come.”

A team of 100 engineers is working on the project. The first hydrogen powered machine to be unveiled was a JCB backhoe loader followed, a year ago, by a Loadall telescopic handler. The technology went on to be shown in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow as world leaders debated measures to drastically reduce greenhouse emissions.

JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing them at plants in Derbyshire and in Delhi, India. Last year, JCB celebrated a major milestone with the production of its 750,000th engine.

Around 97% of construction machines have fuel delivered to them while working on site / Picture: JCB