Monday 6 July 2020

JCB unveils construction industry’s ‘first hydrogen-powered digger’

JCB has unveiled what it claims is the construction industry's first hydrogen-powered digger.

The firm, which aims to lead the sector on zero and low carbon technologies, says the 20-tonne 220X excavator prototype has been undergoing "rigorous testing" in a quarry environment for more than a year.

The technology uses hydrogen to react with oxygen in a fuel cell, creating the power which runs the vehicle's electric motors - the only exhaust emission produced is water.

The firm is also continually developing clean diesel technology to meet Stage V EU emissions regulations - its latest range of engines have cut nitrous oxide emissions by 97%, soot particulates by 98% and approximately halved carbon dioxide emissions.

Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman, said: "The development of the first hydrogen-fuelled excavator is very exciting as we strive towards a zero carbon world.

"In the coming months, JCB will continue to develop and refine this technology with advanced testing of our prototype machine and we will continue to be at the forefront of technologies designed to build a zero carbon future."