JCB’s Hydrogen Engine Earns Full EU Type Approval, Inches Closer to Real-World Construction Use

JCB just made history. The company secured full EU type approval for its hydrogen combustion engine — a first in the construction equipment sector. Big props. The approval certifies JCB’s H2 engine for use in non-road mobile machinery across all 27 EU member states and territories that recognize EU standards. It’s a major leap toward commercializing hydrogen-powered machines for jobsite use. From the press release:

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: “This is another very significant moment for JCB’s hydrogen program. It was not so long ago that some said that it was ‘game over’ for the internal combustion engine in Europe. For JCB to have secured full EU type approval is proof positive that the combustion engine does indeed have a promising future in pursuit of a net zero world if hydrogen, a zero CO2 fuel, is used instead of fossil fuels.”

Issued under Regulation (EU) 2016/1628, this Stage V-certified engine approval greenlights sales and use across Europe. JCB had already received approval under “new technology” provisions in nine countries. Now, the hydrogen engine is officially ready for broader OEM use — including third-party equipment. With more than 130 evaluation units already in the field, JCB is pushing hard. These prototype engines are currently powering backhoes, telehandlers and gensets across jobsites for some real-world validation.

We Saw the Technology in Action

In early 2023, Compact Equipment visited JCB’s headquarters in Rocester, U.K., to watch this hydrogen tech in action. Snow fell lightly on a limestone quarry as steam — not smoke — puffed from prototype machines. We watched a hydrogen-powered backhoe and telehandler perform standard jobsite tasks using a new 4.8-liter, four-cylinder H2 engine. The fuel? Hydrogen gas ignited with spark plugs. The result? No CO₂ emissions. Just water vapor. JCB also demoed a hydrogen fuel cell-powered excavator — but made clear it’s not the direction they’re pursuing. Their money is on combustion.

Hydrogen Combustion vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cells

The hydrogen conversation often splits into two camps: combustion and fuel cells. Both offer zero carbon emissions — but their technology, infrastructure and practicality differ. Here’s our breakdown:

Hydrogen Combustion

• How it works: Burns hydrogen in a modified internal combustion engine using spark ignition.
• Pros:
  • Familiar engine architecture
  • Same torque and performance as diesel
  • Quick refueling with compressed hydrogen gas
  • Uses existing supply chains and service expertise
• Cons:
  • Still emits some NOx (though reduced in-cylinder)
  • Requires safe, low-pressure hydrogen storage

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

• How it works: Uses a chemical reaction to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering electric motors.
• Pros:
  • Silent operation
  • Highly efficient energy conversion
  • Only emits water vapor
• Cons:
  • Expensive and complex cooling systems
  • Slow energy delivery not ideal for load spikes
  • Prone to contamination and difficult maintenance
  • Uses deionized water — costly and hard to source

For JCB, combustion wins. It delivers diesel-like performance without a complete machine redesign.

What’s Next?

We hope JCB plans to bring its hydrogen engines to market soon. Real-world testing continues. With EU type approval in hand, the path to commercialization is clearer than ever. What we really love here is that JCB’s hydrogen future doesn’t rely on expensive reinvention. It builds on proven combustion architecture to deliver familiar performance with zero carbon emissions. It might just be the most practical bridge to clean construction yet.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.