by Harry Hunter | Thu 25 Jun 2026
JCB HYDROMAX HITS 208MPH AS UK TESTING SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES
JCB has completed UK testing of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax land speed car, reaching 208mph and allowing the firm to set their sights firmly on Bonneville.
Testing at RAF Wittering saw the 32ft car, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, increase its top speed from the 177mph achieved earlier in the programme. Alongside outright performance, the team gathered valuable engineering data, refined the hydrogen refuelling process and rehearsed pit procedures ahead of the Utah campaign.
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said: “The UK testing programme has given us everything we hoped for. We now have a proven car, an experienced crew and a wealth of real-world data. Our focus now turns to Bonneville and setting a new hydrogen land speed record.”
Project lead and JCB Engineering Director Ryan Ballard added: “Reaching 208mph is a significant milestone, but the biggest benefit has been understanding how the car performs under load and refining our operating procedures. Every run and refuel completed here means we arrive at Bonneville better prepared.”
Driver Andy Green said: “Running the car to 208mph in the UK is hugely encouraging. The car feels strong and the team has worked exceptionally well together. Now we head to Bonneville, the spiritual home of land speed records.”
Unveiled in May at JCB's headquarters in Staffordshire, Hydromax is powered by two production-based JCB hydrogen engines producing a combined 1,600bhp. The project forms part of JCB's £100 million investment in hydrogen internal combustion technology, which is now being introduced into production machines.
The Bonneville campaign follows JCB's previous land speed successes. In 2006, Andy Green drove JCB Dieselmax to the FIA diesel land speed record of 350.092mph, a mark that still stands. More recently, the JCB Fastrac set the world's fastest tractor record at 135.191mph in 2019, while the JCB GT backhoe loader reached 72.58mph in 2014.
The Hydromax team will compete at Bonneville Speed Week between the 1st and 7th August, before making an official FIA world record attempt later during the event.
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