The Hydromax, a hydrogen‑powered construction machine, cracked the world record at Bonneville Salt Flats, leaping to 406.32 mph. It’s the first time a hydrogen combustion engine built for heavy‑construction has outpaced a diesel twin.
Two production‑grade hydrogen engines, originally forged at JCB’s Derbyshire plant, were fitted into a lightweight chassis and ran for 18 months before the record run. The 100 million‑pound investment in hydrogen tech has already seeded a line of hydrogen‑powered machines now rolling out to customers.
Meanwhile, JCB is tearing up a new chapter in Texas. Next month, the company will break ground on a 1‑million‑sq‑ft, $1 billion plant in San Antonio that will assemble Loadall telescopic handlers and other access equipment for North America. The move is a response to the region’s status as the biggest construction market worldwide.
Back home, the £100 million revamp of the Staffordshire headquarters will add a £60 million fully automated powder‑paint line and modernise the shop floor, securing more than 8,000 UK jobs. JCB’s 23‑factory global footprint and 20,000‑strong workforce underline its ambition to stay ahead of the curve.
Despite flat demand in North America and a 12 % dip in India, JCB’s 2025 turnover of £5.7 billion kept pace with the prior year, and the company’s share of the global market grew. With governments tightening fuel‑efficiency rules and exploring hydrogen subsidies, the company’s early mover advantage could prove decisive for buyers looking for greener powertrains.
JCB plans to roll the new hydrogen machines into service by late 2026, with the Texas plant coming online the following year. Keep an eye on how the company’s hydrogen strategy dovetails with rising EV mandates, as the next wave of heavy‑equipment buyers may be looking to swap diesel for cleaner combustion.