JCB, the UK-based construction equipment giant, is set to revolutionize the Indian market with plans to manufacture hydrogen-powered engines in its Haryana factory. This ambitious move follows the successful debut of the 448 ABH2 hydrogen-powered engine earlier this year, aligning with JCB’s commitment to creating zero-carbon solutions in construction and agriculture.
Chairman Lord Bamford emphasized the importance of India in JCB’s global operations. The country already serves as a significant producer of diesel engines for JCB’s global needs, and the company aims to extend this manufacturing prowess to hydrogen engines once the technology is perfected.
The primary challenge for hydrogen-powered equipment is the availability of the fuel itself. India, with its abundant sun and water resources, possesses the key elements required for hydrogen production. JCB plans to invest in India to scale up its production plants, aligning with its commitment to the growing Indian market.
JCB’s forward-thinking approach includes installing a small electrolyzer plant at its Ballabhgarh engine facility, producing hydrogen to test and run equipment prototypes using its proprietary hydrogen combustion engine. This mirrors similar initiatives in the UK, demonstrating JCB’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies in India.
CEO Graeme Macdonald revealed that JCB’s hydrogen-powered construction equipment could be ready for commercial production in the UK in just 18 months. Currently, prototype hydrogen engines power backhoe loaders and telescopic handler machines in the UK, showcasing the versatility of this technology.
While JCB is initially focusing on off-road machinery, the company believes that hydrogen engine technology could be applied across various sectors, including trucks, vans, trains, buses, and even large cars. The rapid retrofit of a 7.5-tonne Mercedes truck with a hydrogen engine highlights the adaptability of this technology.
Furthermore, JCB has unveiled a mobile refueling unit designed for its hydrogen-powered equipment. This unit has the capacity to refuel 16 hydrogen backhoe loaders and can be transported on a modified JCB Fastrac tractor or trailer, ensuring efficient refueling for its fleet.
Deepak Shetty, CEO and managing director of JCB India, emphasized the significance of hydrogen in India’s emerging hydrogen economy, aligning with the Government of India’s National Hydrogen Mission. The use of hydrogen in construction machinery aligns perfectly with India’s sustainability goals.
Hydrogen-powered construction equipment is gaining traction worldwide due to its near-zero emissions characteristics. In India, the construction equipment industry is poised for recovery and growth, creating ample opportunities for companies like JCB to introduce greener technologies.
JCB’s commitment to India extends beyond hydrogen engines, with substantial investments in expanding its operations. The local subsidiary is investing ₹1,000 crore to scale up production at its Vadodara factory in Gujarat. This, coupled with investments in Ballabhgarh for hydrogen engines, underscores JCB’s dedication to India’s dynamic and evolving market.
