A JCB has set a new world land speed record, passing 406 mph (653 kph) at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats.

The JCB in question isn't a digger or a dumper, but a hydrogen-powered racer known as the JCB Hydromax, driven by retired Royal Air Force fighter pilot Wing Commander Andy Green.

It set the record for the fastest a hydrogen-powered internal combustion car has ever travelled, averaging 406.320 mph (653.909 kph) across two runs at the salt flats this week.

JCB says the Hydromax is powered by two production-based engines derived from those used in its commercial machinery. The engines are made at JCB's factory in Foston, Derbyshire, and deliver a combined 1,600 bhp.

The firm began a £100 million ($135 million) hydrogen engine investment program in 2021, arguing that battery power is practical for smaller machinery but less suited to heavy equipment requiring long operating hours and rapid refueling. It was given permission to sell hydrogen engines by licensing authorities across Europe last year.

Another European engineering company, Bosch, is investing in hydrogen power and disclosed some of its plans back in 2023.

However, JCB conceds that the two engines in the Hydromax were "extensively rebuilt to suit the demands of breaking the speed record," fitted with spark plugs designed for a Le Mans 24 Hour engine, for example.

Burning hydrogen produces no carbon dioxide at the tailpipe, although a combustion engine can still generate nitrogen oxides. JCB estimates that a full record run consumed just over 2 kg (4.4 pounds) of hydrogen and produced 18 liters (about 5 gallons) of water.

Beneath the bodywork is a steel-frame chassis similar to that of a conventional racing car, built with a minimal amount of high-strength tubing. The driver sits in a composite monocoque sub-chassis under a drag racing-style steel roll cage.

One of the engines is located behind the driver's position and spins the rear wheels, while the other is located in front and drives the front wheels via a front-facing gearbox.

Wing Commander Green is no stranger to land speed records. He was at the controls of the ThrustSSC vehicle when it broke the sound barrier on land, and also drove JCB's Dieselmax when it set the world diesel land speed record.

According to JCB, its chairman, Anthony Bamford, led the hydrogen engine project and came up with the idea of a bid for the hydrogen world land speed record.

"Twenty years ago we came to Bonneville with JCB Dieselmax and showed what British engineering could do with diesel power. Today we have done it again, this time with engines powered by hydrogen," Bamford said. "It shows hydrogen works, and it works today at the highest level with zero emissions."

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), motorsport's global governing body, officiated the attempt and has confirmed the 653.909 kph (406.320 mph) record. ®