JCB Hydromax Sets Hydrogen Speed Record at 406 mph

Wing Commander Andy Green set a new world land speed record for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines on August 11. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the viability of carbon-free combustion for high-performance and heavy-duty applications.

Driving the JCB Hydromax at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, Green completed two high-speed passes to secure the record. The first run clocked in at 400.623 mph, followed by a second run of 412.135 mph. These results yielded an official average speed of 406.320 mph (653.909 kph). According to Green, the vehicle performed better and proved more reliable than the team had anticipated, ultimately "blowing away" the existing hydrogen record.

Engineering the Hydromax

The vehicle's power comes from two hydrogen internal combustion engines developed from JCB production units. While standard versions of these engines, typically used in the construction industry, produce 74 hp, the units installed in the Hydromax were heavily modified to produce 800 hp each. This adaptation allows the vehicle to maintain the toughness of industrial machinery while achieving the extreme power output required for land speed attempts.

A Legacy of Speed

This record is the latest in a career of speed for Andy Green, a retired RAF fighter pilot. Green is well-known in the land speed community for breaking the land sound barrier in 1997, reaching 763.035 mph, and previously setting a diesel land speed record exceeding 350 mph. His transition to hydrogen technology reflects a broader industry shift toward sustainable fuels that do not rely on batteries.

Implications for Heavy Industry

Beyond the spectacle of the speed record, the test serves as a proof of concept for the reliability and adaptability of hydrogen internal combustion engines. Unlike traditional engines, these units produce no carbon dioxide, offering a path toward decarbonization without sacrificing the power density of combustion. By utilizing engines derived from construction equipment, JCB aims to demonstrate that hydrogen technology is capable of handling the rigors of heavy-duty land applications, where battery weight often becomes a limiting factor.

Looking Ahead

While the Hydromax has established a new benchmark for hydrogen combustion, the industry continues to evaluate the scalability of such technology for commercial use. Observers will be watching to see if JCB translates these high-performance modifications back into production-grade machinery for the construction sector. For now, the 406 mph average stands as a definitive statement on the potential of hydrogen-powered propulsion.