JCB hydrogen-powered truck sets 400 mph speed record

The tests took place as part of the traditional Speed ​​Week. The aircraft was piloted by Wing Commander Andy Green, who had previously set an absolute land speed record in the jet-powered ThrustSSC, reaching 1,225 km/h (760 mph). During the tests, the Hydromax covered a measured mile in one direction at 410 mph (660 km/h), after which, turning around, it matched this result on the return leg. Unlike its jet-powered predecessors, this machine is powered by two hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines developed by JCB. The engines have been significantly upgraded and now produce approximately 800 horsepower each. Torque is transmitted to both axles, making this vehicle one of the fastest wheeled machines ever built. Environmentally, the hydrogen engine emits primarily water vapor and minimal nitrogen oxides, ensuring its zero-emissions status. The previous record in this category belonged to the Buckeye Bullet 3, which averaged 341.264 mph on the same track in 2016, a result the Hydromax surpassed. The record was officially set under the supervision of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), but final ratification is still pending. Last week, the car also participated in tests at Bonneville under the rules of the Southern California Timing Association. Then, with power reduced to 1,200 hp, the best one-way result was 368.347 mph. According to driver Andy Green, the car proved stable, powerful, and reliable. Several British companies collaborated on the project. Ricardo engineers oversaw the turbocharged hydrogen engines, increasing their output from the original 74 to 800 hp. Specialists from the Prodrive motorsport division built the chassis and provided on-track technical support. Xtrac, in turn, developed and manufactured the six-speed gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The clutches were taken directly from a production JCB backhoe loader: according to the developers, they were the only ones capable of handling the high torque. This isn't the British company's first record on the salt flats. Twenty years ago, JCB demonstrated diesel technology with a Dieselmax, which reached 350.092 mph. This latest achievement not only improves that time by approximately 80 km/h but also demonstrates the potential of hydrogen power plants.