JCB unveils hydrogen refuelling system

25 October 2022

JCB has developed a mobile hydrogen refueller for use with the prototype backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler powered by the fuel. 

The move recognises the fact that around 97 per cent of traditional construction machines have fuel delivered to them while working on site. This means customers are already used to a transportable fuel, allowing refuelling to take place in a matter of minutes.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who is leading the manufacturer’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.”

A team of 100 engineers is working on the JCB hydrogen project.