JCB hydrogen diggers now road-legal in historic UK first
Hydrogen-powered construction and agricultural machines, including JCB’s zero-emission diggers, have just gained legal approval to be driven on public UK roads – a significant development for hydrogen adoption in off-road sectors.
Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, signed a statutory instrument permitting the on-road use of hydrogen-fuelled “non-road mobile machinery” from 29 April 2025.
Until now, hydrogen-powered machinery such as diggers and tractors had been restricted to off-highway operations, despite hydrogen cars, buses, and trucks already being road-legal.
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has overseen a £100 million investment into developing hydrogen combustion engines, described the decision as “historic,” emphasising its importance for both the construction and agricultural industries.
To mark the milestone, a hydrogen-powered JCB digger was driven through central London, stopping off at the Department for Transport for a meeting with Greenwood.
Lord Bamford said: “Our customers have given resounding support for our hydrogen engines, finding them as straightforward and robust as their diesel counterparts.
“This legal endorsement allows seamless transport between sites and farms, hugely benefiting practical day-to-day operations.”
Minister Greenwood commented, “Today shows once again we are on the side of British business, as we now allow hydrogen-powered diggers and tractors to be legally driven on UK roads for the first time.
“Working with innovative British companies like JCB is crucial in achieving our net-zero ambitions, fostering innovation, and creating new job opportunities.”
JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine programme, developed at its Derbyshire plant, includes prototype hydrogen-powered Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, and generators, currently under extensive trials across the UK.
