JCB Hydromax sets new land speed record for hydrogen-powered cars

The JCB Hydromax vehicle has set a new land speed record for hydrogen-powered cars at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The speed achieved during the measurement surpassed the previous official land speed record for wheeled vehicles, held by Thrust SSC since 1997.

The vehicle that competed was JCB's Hydromax, powered by two hydrogen-burning engines. JCB is a UK-based manufacturer of heavy industrial and agricultural equipment, which has been investing in alternative power sources to reduce carbon emissions and move away from diesel.

JCB has been exploring hydrogen through various avenues, including fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines. The company opted to develop its own hydrogen combustion engines, deeming fuel cell technology too expensive and fragile for its applications. While burning hydrogen in internal combustion engines has previously presented challenges due to lower energy density compared to gasoline, turbocharging can help offset this.

The new record underscores the potential of hydrogen-powered vehicle technology. JCB continues its research and development efforts to electrify its heavy machinery and vehicles, leveraging the possibilities of hydrogen.