Heavy Equipment

JCB Wins EU Approval for Off-Road Hydrogen Engine

JCB’s hydrogen engine can now be used legally in all 27 EU countries.

Updated on

June 11, 2025

JCB Hydrogen Engine — Hydrogen powering the future. (Photo: Courtesy)

JCB has received the green light to sell and use its hydrogen engine across the European Union — a move the UK company is calling a big step forward for clean fuel in construction and other heavy-duty industries.

The official approval means JCB’s hydrogen engine can now be used legally in all 27 EU countries, as well as in areas that accept EU approvals, such as the European Economic Area and countries in the European Free Trade Association.

It applies to non-road mobile machinery and third-party Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) applications.

The approval, issued under Regulation (EU) 2016/1628, confirms that JCB’s hydrogen engine meets the EU Stage V emissions standards — the strictest to date for non-road engines.

“This is another very significant moment for JCB’s hydrogen programme,” said Anthony Bamford, JCB Chairman, who has been closely involved in spearheading the company’s hydrogen efforts.

“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,” Lord Bamford added.

Before this milestone, authorities in nine European countries had already permitted the commercial use of the engine under ‘new technology’ clauses. These earlier allowances served as a precursor to the wider EU approval now granted.

JCB has been developing hydrogen-powered machinery as part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions from construction equipment.

Unlike electric machines, which can run into problems with limited power and long charging times, hydrogen engines offer a clean alternative that doesn’t sacrifice performance or speed.

They refuel quickly and still produce zero carbon emissions.

JCB says its hydrogen-powered machines are already being tested in real-world conditions and are in the final stages before launch, suggesting they could be available to buy soon.

The EU type-approval comes weeks after JCB the UK government allowed hydrogen-powered construction and agricultural machinery on public roads.

This enables hydrogen-fuelled excavators, tractors, and other machinery to operate between sites and farms, reducing carbon emissions in two highly polluting industries.