The British construction machinery manufacturer JCB set a new world speed record for hydrogen-powered land vehicles with its JCB Hydromax vehicle. The record run took place at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US state of Utah. The officially measured average speed was 653.9 km/h. According to the companies involved, the vehicle surpassed the previous best for this drive category.
The Hydromax is powered by two H2 combustion engines with a total output of 1,600 hp. The record is intended to highlight the potential of hydrogen combustion engines for high-performance applications. JCB is building on its own record history: in 2006, the company set the still-valid diesel land speed world record at the same location with the JCB Dieselmax. Around 20 years later, the manufacturer is now relying on an alternative drive.
Components from the Sauerland
Key components for the hydrogen supply of the drive come from the German supplier Poppe + Potthoff (P+P). The modular hydrogen distribution system Topaq was used. According to the company, an active high-pressure regulation unit, distribution rails (parallel charging units), as well as lines and adapters were integrated. These components are intended to ensure the demand-oriented supply of the two hydrogen combustion engines within the system architecture.
According to P+P, the company accompanied the vehicle development process from the first test phase to the final integration of the components. Coordinated interfaces allowed the complexity of the overall system to be reduced. Extensive tests during the development and validation phase had already confirmed the system performance. The use under the conditions of the record run subsequently demonstrated the performance capability in the field.
Signal Effect for H2 Combustion Engines
Markus Kerkhoff, CEO of Poppe + Potthoff GmbH, sees the record run as confirmation of the reliability of hydrogen-based drives under extreme conditions. "JCB Hydromax uniquely demonstrates the performance capability of hydrogen-based drive technology," explains Kerkhoff.
The H2 combustion engine is considered one of several options for the decarbonisation of vehicle drives and is particularly focused on the heavy-duty and off-highway sectors. JCB has been investing in the development of such engines for several years, including for use in construction machinery. The record attempt with the Hydromax also serves as a high-profile demonstration of the technology.
