JCB hydrogen excavator a ‘world first’

JCB is leading the charge with cleaner, low emission machines with the release of its latest hydrogen fuel cell powered excavator – the 20-tonne 220X.

But don’t get too excited and pull out your cheque books just yet (if you’re still using one!), because the 220X is still a prototype at this point.

However, JCB has put the 220X through its paces at a quarry proving grounds for more than 12 months and can claim that it’s officially the first manufacturer in the world to unveil a working hydrogen excavator.

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

“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.”

Lord Bamford’s son, Jo Bamford, spent 14 years at JCB before moving into the hydrogen sector, setting up Ryse Hydrogen and then buying Northern Ireland bus giant, Wrightbus. He has won contracts to supply the world's first hydrogen double-decker to cities such as London and Aberdeen.

“I truly believe hydrogen is the UK’s best opportunity to build a world-leading industry which creates UK jobs, cuts emissions and is the envy of the globe,” Jo Bamford said.

Power for JCB’s prototype excavator is generated by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell to create the energy needed to run electric motors. The only emission from the exhaust is water.

The development follows another world first by JCB last year with the release of its fully electric and untethered mini excavator, the 19C-1E, that is currently available on the market.

JCB has also extended electric technology to its innovative Teletruk telescopic forklift range with the launch of an electric model, the JCB 30-19E.

In addition, JCB has also been refining its clean diesel technology to meet Stage V EU emissions regulations and said it has almost eradicated the most harmful emissions from its latest range of diesel engines. Nitrous Oxide (NOx) is down 97 per cent, soot particulates down by 98 per cent and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions down by almost half.