JCB Hydromax - New Hydrogen-Powered Speed Car

JCB Hydromax. © JCB

The JCB Hydromax is a brand-new hydrogen-powered speed car built to break speed records at Bonneville. Twenty years after its last record attempt, JCB is back for another run.

JCB is bringing hydrogen technology to the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with Hydromax, a long and low land-speed car designed to reach more than 350 mph (563 km/h).

Best known for its yellow construction machines, British company JCB created the 32.8-foot (10-meter) racer to show what hydrogen combustion can do at extreme speeds.

JCB Hydromax. © JCB

Hydromax uses two hydrogen combustion engines developed by JCB. Together, they produce 1,600 horsepower, with each engine delivering 800 hp.

JCB Hydromax. © JCB

JCB has invested around £100 million and several years developing hydrogen engines for heavy-duty machines such as excavators and loaders that work long hours in tough environments. Hydromax takes that technology to the limit in a high-speed racing machine.

Why it matters:

Hydromax shows that hydrogen combustion engines could become a clean alternative to diesel for heavy equipment and high-performance vehicles. Instead of batteries, the engines burn hydrogen fuel while keeping the feel and power of traditional combustion engines. The project also helps prove that hydrogen technology can work in demanding real-world conditions, from construction sites to record-breaking speed runs.