JCB targets new land speed record with hydrogen car

By AI, Created 5:00 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – JCB is returning to the Bonneville Salt Flats in August with a hydrogen-powered land-speed car as the British manufacturer looks to top 350 mph and showcase its in-house engine technology. The effort comes after five years of development, as JCB begins production of hydrogen-powered diggers and prepares to open a major new U.S. factory.

Why it matters: - JCB is using a land-speed record attempt to prove out its hydrogen internal combustion engines in public, high-stakes conditions. - The project ties together three business goals: cleaner propulsion, British engineering bragging rights and a showcase for JCB’s manufacturing scale. - JCB also wants to underline the commercial case for hydrogen as it rolls out production machines powered by the technology.

What happened: - JCB is targeting a new land speed record with the 32-foot JCB Hydromax, a car powered by the company’s own hydrogen engines. - The attempt will take place in August at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. - Wing Commander Andy Green OBE will drive the car again, 20 years after he drove JCB Dieselmax to a world diesel land speed record of 350.092 mph. - JCB Hydromax will begin testing in the UK before heading to Bonneville SpeedWeek, where it will chase records on the Salt Flats.

The details: - JCB has spent five years developing hydrogen internal combustion engines as part of a £100 million investment. - More than 20,000 people work for JCB worldwide. - JCB diggers powered by the hydrogen technology have started rolling off production lines. - JCB Hydromax will run with two production-based hydrogen engines producing a combined 1,600 bhp. - SpeedWeek is run by the Southern California Timing Association, which governs and verifies official class records at the event. - JCB plans to stay at Bonneville after SpeedWeek to pursue officially recognized world records under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. - JCB says the Hydromax is lighter, more powerful and faster than the Dieselmax car built 20 years ago. - JCB is aiming to beat 350 mph. - JCB says the attempt will use the world’s fastest and most exciting zero-emissions vehicle. - Andy Green describes himself as the fastest man on earth at 763.035 mph and the only person to break the sound barrier on land. - Green says the effort will show the world what British engineering and technology can do. - JCB says the land-speed project is meant to demonstrate the robustness of its new hydrogen engines.

Between the lines: - The speed run is as much a technology demonstration as a motorsport bid. - JCB is pairing a public record attempt with a broader industrial push, including hydrogen products in production and a major U.S. factory opening. - The company is leaning on heritage. The Dieselmax record remains a useful proof point for the new hydrogen chapter.

What’s next: - JCB will continue UK testing before shipping the car to Utah. - The team will attempt class records at Bonneville SpeedWeek, then pursue FIA-recognized world records afterward. - JCB is also preparing to open a new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas, spanning 1 million square feet on 400 acres and expected to employ 1,500 people. - The Texas plant will make machines for the U.S. market.

The bottom line: - JCB is betting that a headline-grabbing speed attempt can validate hydrogen engines while reinforcing the company’s industrial and engineering credentials.