Our road to zero

The JCB ECOMAX engine was launched and fitted into our backhoe loaders, delivering significant fuel savings. It was the beginning of our Road to Zero.

The JCB ECOMAX engine used innovative clean-burn technology that did not produce high levels of emissions. This means it didn't require a diesel particulate filter or extensive after-treatment systems to clean up exhaust gases, saving customers money.

Launch of a new and improved Tier 4 engine to meet next generation engine legislation whilst reducing emissions.

The efficient JCB ECOMAX engine keeps winning. This time it's two Queen's Awards, for Innovation and International Trade.

A brand new 3 litre DIESELMAX engine was launched in this year. It used up to 8% less fuel than the 4.4 litre JCB engine, which was already very efficient.

The next step on our Road to Zero saw the launch of our first electric products - a range of 8 electric scissor lifts.

JCB developed and launched the industry's first ever electric mini digger in response to customer demands for a zero emissions machine that could work indoors and in noise sensitive, urban areas.

It's the reason we put ourselves at the forefront of alternative power technologies and developed the first ever electric JCB digger." - JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford

Project teams were created and engineers brought together to start focusing on developing the first hydrogen fuel cell excavator.

We make machines that are powered by diesel, so we have to find a solution and we are doing something about it now." - JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford.

We led the way on clean diesel technology, almost eradicating the most harmful emissions from our latest range of engines. NOx has been reduced by 97%, soot particulates by 98% and through our extensive efficiency drive, CO2 emissions have been cut by nearly half.

After just one year since launching, our electric mini excavator, the 19C-1E was honoured with an award recognised as one of the most prestigious in British engineering; The Dewar Trophy for 'Outstanding Technical Achievement in the British Automotive Industry' from the Royal Automobile Club.

Our electric mini excavator won a second award for engineering innovation - The 2020 MacRobert Award for innovation from the Royal Academy of Engineering. This prestigious award has been presented since 1969 to honour a wide variety of engineering feats, including the CT scanner and Rolls-Royce's Pegasus engine used in the Harrier Jump Jet. To date, hundreds of machines have been sold, saving the equivalent of 15 tonnes of in CO₂ emissions.

Learning from our first prototype hydrogen fuel cell excavator, we developed Prototype 2 - with a bigger fuel cell and better batteries designed for managing the high transient loads of a 20-tonne excavator.

JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford.

Having developed two prototype hydrogen fuel cell excavators, the team realised that the technology was too complicated and too expensive for construction and agricultural equipment markets. JCB Chairman Lord Bamford challenged the engineering team to think differently and develop a combustion engine for a digger that runs entirely on hydrogen.

The next electric innovation was an electric version of our popular HTD-5 Diesel Dumpster. The addition of an electric drive makes it suitable for urban and indoor applications.

Our electric E-TECH range of zero emission machines continued to grow with the launch of our first ever electric Loadall.

Our first ever electric site dumper is launched. A one tonne, high-tip model powered by lithium-ion battery technology. Productivity and performance are identical to the conventional diesel model.

Our electric range continues to expand and increase customer versatility, with the addition of a rapid universal charger and battery power packs.

On a cold December morning, JCB's first ever hydrogen combustion engine ran for the first time. The high-performance, purpose-engineered zero-CO₂ hydrogen engine then started its testing regime in our engine test cells.

Our hydrogen engine made its debut in one of our world-famous backhoe loaders, sporting a new green and white livery. The event was attended by the press and some celebrities, including Jeremy Clarkson.

Our innovative electric products just kept on winning accolades. This time it was for the JCB Teletruk. The 30-19E machine won The Environment Award from the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), Europe's leading trade body for the materials handling industry.

A hydrogen-powered telescopic handler was shown for the first time ever at a central London event in October 2021.

JCB showcased their hydrogen-powered machines for the first time at the heart of government in Westminster.

At the Diesel Progress Summit, our 430 DIESELMAX engine won the Engine of the Year Award, for engines up to 175hp.

The world's first hydrogen-powered backhoe loader and telescopic handler were displayed in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow.

The world's first hydrogen-powered backhoe loader and telescopic handler were displayed in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow.

JCB won one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in British automotive engineering, as Lord Bamford is presented with the Royal Automotive Club's Dewar Trophy for the development of our hydrogen fuel engine.

A team of 36 apprentices combined their engineering skills to build a unique 525-60E electric telehandler. The specially wrapped JCB Loadall was auctioned off in aid of the company's Platinum Jubilee NSPCC appeal.

The world's first hydrogen-powered Backhoe Loader joined JCB machines of the past and present to take centre stage at Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London.

JCB announced another industry first - a mobile hydrogen refueller, providing a quick and easy way to refuel machines on site.

Our double-award winning electric mini excavator marked another significant milestone in its short history with the production of the 1,000th machine. The world's first volume-produced all-electric mini excavator only went into full production in 2019.

The 50th JCB hydrogen combustion engine came off the production line as part of the development process.

The UK government has given JCB special dispensation, which allows us to test and use our world-first hydrogen-powered backhoe loader on UK roads. The world's first digger, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, will soon be on UK roads and building sites, helping to decarbonise the UK's construction industry and create hundreds of jobs.

We have made a major breakthrough in proving wider appeal of hydrogen combustion technology by installing one of our hydrogen engines into a 7.5 tonne Mercedes truck. The installation only took days with one of the first test drivers being JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford.

Our £100 million project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines has been given its international debut with its unveiling at one of the world's biggest construction equipment exhibitions - Conexpo 2023 in Las Vegas. "I'm delighted we are now able to present this technology on the international stage" said JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford.

Our electric Powerpack range has increased to five with the addition of three larger models, delivering a 400V, three-phase output. JCB battery powerpacks allow customers to reduce their dependence on diesel-powered generators when electrical demand is low, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, for a cleaner, lower carbon worksite.

We are introducing two articulated boom aerial work platforms to our range, with a choice of full battery electric and diesel/electric hybrid drivelines. The A45E is fully electric, offering zero emissions with zero compromise on performance. The A45EH is a diesel/electric hybrid version, ideal for working in more remote locations where an external power supply is not readily available.

We are expanding our full electric equipment line-up with the launch of the compact 403E. Our first full electric wheel loader delivers best-in-class performance and full working day use. The machine boasts the largest standard battery pack in its class, with productivity matching our popular 403 diesel model.