JCB Launches World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Backhoe Loader in India

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India - Nitin Gadkari revealed the JCB 3DX, a backhoe loader powered by a hydrogen combustion engine. India is the first nation in the world to show JCB’s £100 million project in public.

A total of 150 JCB engineers are working to develop hydrogen combustion engines and more than 75 prototypes have already been manufactured at JCB’s UK engine plant. Additionally, the plant has also revealed its very own designed and built mobile refuelling browser.

The prototype hydrogen combustion engines are already being used in JCB’s backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handler machines.

Plan for Eco-Friendly Building: Using Hydrogen Power

The CEO & MD of JCB India - Deepak Shetty said, “It is very fitting that this JCB 3DX backhoe loader, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, is being unveiled in India just as COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference is getting underway in Dubai, UAE. As the world assesses its collective progress towards achieving its climate goals, JCB is showing the world that it has a practical and affordable technology already in place to decarbonise construction, here in India and across the world. We are proud that India should be the first nation in the world to show this prototype backhoe loader machine in public.”

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According to the company, JCB’s new diesel-powered machines use 50% less fuel today when compared to the ones manufactured decades ago. The machines collectively have saved over 16 billion litres of fuel which translates to reduced 53 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

JCB's Idea to Use Hydrogen as a Fuel for Construction

The Chairman of JCB - Lord Bamford said, “India has a real opportunity to put hydrogen at the very centre of its net zero future – it is a clean zero carbon fuel which can be produced from renewable energy. India is endowed with sun and water resources, the two key elements required for producing hydrogen. It is a fuel that allows for fast refuelling and is a mobile fuel solution, so fuel can be taken to the machine. Our machines work long hours, particularly in India, so minimising downtime to recharge or refuel is essential. As such, hydrogen is a perfect solution for India, particularly for the earthmoving sector.”

The hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) technology is relatively new and it was also showcased by many other OEMs at Indian Auto Expo 2023. JCB is aiming to decarbonise the construction sector with the launch of the JCB 3DX backhoe loader and reduce the downtime of its machines.