JCB adds to its hydrogen fleet with fuel cell electric Toyota Mirai

2nd December 2021

JCB has taken delivery of a second-generation hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai as the digger giant develops its own hydrogen technology.

Delivered to JCB’s headquarters in Uttoxeter, the fuel cell vehicle’s arrival comes as the company invests £100 million in the development of hydrogen engines to power its equipment.

Two prototype hydrogen powered machines – a backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler – were recently featured in the Green Zone at the recent COP26 summit in Glasgow.

The Mirai is the second for JCB, following the purchase of a first generation Mirai on its launch in 2015.

The car was handed over to Lord Bamford, JCB chairman, by Agustin Martin, president and managing director of Toyota (GB).

Martin said: “Since 1992, Toyota has produced more than five million cars at its Burnaston plant and our Midlands neighbours at JCB have an even longer history of providing employment, investment and innovation in the region.

“JCB’s research and development into hydrogen engines marks a significant and forward-thinking shift in the construction and agriculture worlds.

“It’s exciting to see another industry taking the steps towards decarbonising society through the application of hydrogen technology.”

Lord Bamford added: “We applaud Toyota for its consistency in exploring the potential of hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels in cars.

“Indeed, just in the past few months, Mr Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, has been testing a Toyota car powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, the same technology that JCB is pioneering for its own machinery.

“Having a hydrogen fuel cell car in our fleet makes perfect sense as we pursue hydrogen as a fuel of the future.”

Toyota’s all-new Mirai is its second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle, offering a range of approximately 400 miles – an increase of 100 miles over the first generation model.

JCB has manufactured engines since 1994, producing them at plants in Derbyshire and Delhi, India. It is on course to celebrate production of its 750,000th engine this year.