JCB and Prodrive Prepare for Hydrogen Land Speed Record Attempt
- William Scott
- Jun 8
- 1 min read
British engineering giants JCB and Prodrive are joining forces in a bid to make history with a new hydrogen-powered land speed record attempt.
The project will see the JCB Hydromax take to the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, aiming to break the current hydrogen land speed record while showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion technology.
The vehicle has been developed by Prodrive, the world-renowned motorsport engineering company behind numerous rally, endurance racing and Formula One projects.
The upcoming attempt builds on JCB's success in 2006, when its Dieselmax vehicle set a world diesel land speed record of 350.092mph—a record that still stands today.
At the heart of the Hydromax is JCB's hydrogen combustion engine technology, which the company believes could play a major role in reducing emissions from construction and agricultural machinery without compromising performance.
The record attempt is about more than speed. Both JCB and Prodrive see the challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate that hydrogen-powered engines can deliver the power, reliability and durability required by heavy industry.
If successful, the project will not only write another chapter in British engineering history but could also help accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technology across the construction sector.
