JCB has set a new land speed record for hydrogen vehicles.
Driven by Andy Green OBE, JCB eclipsed the previous record of 185.5 mph, set by BMW in 2004, as its Hydromax recorded a speed of 406.320 mph at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats.
FIA regulations required Green to make two runs – one in each direction – over a distance of one mile, with the average speed across the two runs setting the record.
“This is a truly historic milestone for motorsport showcasing how innovation, performance, speed, and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said FIA president, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“Motorsport has always been a catalyst for technological progress pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This new land speed record continues this tradition, showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion for the future of sustainable mobility.
“For over 100 years, the FIA has proudly played a central role officiating land speed record attempts. I would like to thank our Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, for their support during this record attempt and offer my congratulations to Lord Bamford, Andy Green OBE, and to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement.”
For JCB, this record marked a full-circle moment, having gone to Bonneville 20 years ago with the diesel-powered Dieselmax.
Today we have done it again,” added JCB chairman, Lord Bamford, “this time with engines powered by hydrogen. This record was set by production-based engines, the same engines powering JCB diggers right now. That is the point of JCB Hydromax: it shows hydrogen works, and it works today at the highest level with zero emissions.”
Wing commander Andy Green OBE said: “Bonneville is the spiritual home of the World Land Speed Record, and Hydromax has just written itself into that history. The car was magnificent, stable, strong and fast. To set a world record with hydrogen, 20 years after Dieselmax, is a privilege.”
