JCB hydrogen-powered car sets 406 mph world speed record

Fahad Redha

August 12, 2026
2 min read

JCB hydrogen-powered car sets 406 mph world speed record

British engineering company JCB has set a new world land speed record for a hydrogen-powered internal combustion vehicle, with its Hydromax reaching an average of 406.320 mph at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats.

The record-breaking car, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, completed two runs in opposite directions on Wednesday morning as required by Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) rules. It recorded 400.623 mph on its first run and 412.135 mph on the return, producing the official average pending FIA ratification.

That performance more than doubles the previous FIA-recognised hydrogen internal combustion record of 185.5 mph, set by BMW’s H2R in 2004. It also takes Hydromax beyond the 303 mph benchmark for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, making it the fastest hydrogen-powered vehicle of any type.

The 32-foot, twin-engined streamliner is powered by two production-based hydrogen engines developed by JCB. Built at the company’s Foston engine factory in Derbyshire, the engines deliver a combined 1,600 bhp and are based on technology being used in JCB machinery.

The achievement also marks a return to the Bonneville Salt Flats for Green and JCB. In 2006, Green drove JCB Dieselmax to 350.092 mph, establishing the FIA world diesel land speed record. That mark remains unbeaten.

Hydromax had already demonstrated its potential during Bonneville Speed Week last week, when it reached 368.347 mph and set a Southern California Timing Association record in its class.

JCB says the latest achievement demonstrates the potential of hydrogen combustion technology as it invests £100 million in developing hydrogen-powered machinery. Unlike conventional combustion engines, the hydrogen system produces no CO₂ at the tailpipe.

The timing comes as JCB prepares to open a new $500 million manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas, expected to employ 1,500 people producing machinery for the US market.

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.