British engineering giant JCB is preparing to make history once again—this time with hydrogen. Two decades after rewriting the diesel record books, the company is heading back to the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats with a new mission: set a land speed record using hydrogen-powered internal combustion.
A New Chapter After Dieselmax
In 2006, the JCB Dieselmax stunned the world by reaching 350.092 mph, a diesel land speed record that still stands today. The car was driven by Andy Green, the fastest man on Earth and the only person to break the sound barrier on land.
Now, JCB is returning with the Hydromax—a 32-foot machine powered by hydrogen combustion engines. Once again, Green will take the wheel, aiming to surpass the 350 mph milestone with zero tailpipe emissions.
Hydrogen Meets High Performance
The Hydromax project represents the culmination of five years of development and a £100 million investment in hydrogen internal combustion technology. Unlike fuel cells, JCB’s approach adapts traditional engines to run on hydrogen, offering a familiar yet clean alternative for heavy-duty applications.
The car will be powered by two production-based hydrogen engines delivering a combined 1,600 bhp. According to the team, the Hydromax is lighter, more powerful, and faster than its diesel predecessor—an essential formula for record-breaking performance.
Engineering support comes from leading firms including Prodrive and Ricardo, ensuring the project benefits from cutting-edge motorsport expertise.
Bonneville SpeedWeek: The Proving Ground
Initial testing will take place in the UK before the team heads to Bonneville SpeedWeek, the world’s premier land speed racing event. Organized by the Southern California Timing Association, the event attracts competitors from across the globe seeking official records on the vast salt flats.
Following SpeedWeek, JCB will pursue FIA-certified world records under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, adding further credibility to any achievements.
More Than Just Speed
JCB’s hydrogen push is not limited to headline-grabbing records. The company has already begun production of hydrogen-powered construction equipment, signaling real-world applications beyond motorsport.
The Hydromax serves as a high-profile demonstration of what hydrogen engines can achieve—combining performance with zero emissions. It’s a strategic move to position hydrogen as a viable alternative in sectors where battery-electric solutions may face limitations.
Expanding Global Ambitions
The speed record attempt comes ahead of a major expansion for JCB, including a new $500 million manufacturing facility in San Antonio. The site will produce equipment for the U.S. market and employ around 1,500 people, reinforcing the company’s global growth strategy.
A Legacy of Speed
JCB is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Beyond Dieselmax, the company has set multiple speed records, including the fastest tractor at 135.191 mph and the quickest backhoe loader at 72.58 mph.
With Hydromax, the focus shifts from diesel dominance to hydrogen innovation—marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of high-performance, low-emissions engineering.
As the countdown to Bonneville begins, all eyes are on whether hydrogen can deliver not just sustainability—but record-breaking speed.
