In a landmark moment for British engineering and green technology, JCB has today hailed a “historic” breakthrough as hydrogen-powered diggers are officially permitted to use UK roads for the first time.
The monumental shift in law was confirmed yesterday (April 29) following the signing of a statutory instrument amending the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
The legal change allows hydrogen-fuelled construction and agricultural machinery to be driven on public highways, a move hailed as a game-changer for the sector.
The announcement marks the latest milestone in JCB’s £100 million investment into developing hydrogen combustion engines, a clean, zero-emission alternative to diesel for heavy machinery.
To celebrate the decision, a hydrogen-powered JCB digger took to the streets of London, calling in at the Department for Transport to meet the minister responsible for enacting the legislation.
‘A Truly Historic Day’
Lord Anthony Bamford, JCB Chairman and the driving force behind the company’s hydrogen initiative, described the day as “historic” and praised the dedication of his team.
“The JCB team has done amazing work to develop a hydrogen combustion engine,” Lord Bamford said.
“It has already been given resounding backing from our customers who have been evaluating the technology; they say it is simple to use and performs as well as diesel counterparts.”
“We are delighted that the Government has now endorsed the use of hydrogen in machinery. There has been a lot of work to get to this point. It is truly a historic day for JCB and a milestone moment for the use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel in the construction and agricultural machinery industries.”
“We now have the legislation that allows hydrogen powered machines to drive on the road between sites and between farms.”
The legislative change was made possible by Lilian Greenwood, who signed the statutory instrument in early April. The amendment officially came into force on April 29.
Until now, only hydrogen-powered cars, buses, and trucks were legally allowed to drive on UK roads. The new legislation specifically enables non-road mobile machinery, such as diggers and tractors, to travel legally between construction sites and farms.
British Engineering at Its Best
JCB’s pioneering project has been based at its engine plant in Derbyshire, where engineers — under Lord Bamford’s direct challenge — have developed a range of hydrogen-powered backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers, and generators.
The company is currently conducting field trials across the UK in partnership with leading rental companies and contractors, following successful tests on sites near Birmingham.
The hydrogen combustion engine, unlike electric alternatives, offers the power and practicality needed for heavy-duty operations in construction and agriculture — sectors where battery solutions have proven difficult to scale.
Praise from Westminster
Lord Hannan, Conservative peer and commentator, praised the achievement on social media platform X, writing:
“Most people spent lockdown grumbling or sunbathing. Lord Bamford spent it developing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, because diggers don’t suit batteries. Today, @JCBmachines hydrogen-run vehicles were given permission to drive on our roads. A great step forward.”
The development is expected to significantly accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technology in machinery, bolstering the UK’s ambitions for a greener industrial future, without compromising on performance or reliability.
