JCB has unveiled a mobile hydrogen refueller, claiming a world first.

JCB is investing GBP100 million (USD115 million) in a project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines and has already showcased working prototypes of a backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler powered by hydrogen.

The new mobile hydrogen refueller provides a quick and easy way for customers to refuel their machines on site. 

JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who is leading JCB’s hydrogen project, says: “Since we became the first construction equipment company to unveil machines powered by hydrogen, many have asked how they can be refuelled.

“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,” he says.

Around 97% of 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.

“Fossil fuels are not the future and hydrogen is the practical solution to powering our machines in the decades to come. 

“Our British engineers are doing a fantastic job in developing this technology and there are many more exciting developments to come.”