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JCB Hydromax shatters a world record with ‘extraordinary’ speeds topping 400 mph in hydrogen-powered car
JCB’s hydrogen-powered Hydromax has set a new world land-speed record, demonstrating that hydrogen internal-combustion technology can achieve extreme performance as well as lower-emission potential. Driven by Andy Green at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, the twin-engined car exceeded 400 mph in two runs on Tuesday.
The 32-foot vehicle recorded 400.623 mph on its first run and 412.135 mph on its second, producing an average of 406.320 mph. The result is described as the fastest ever achieved by a hydrogen-powered internal-combustion car.
In short
- JCB Hydromax set a 406.320 mph hydrogen car record.
- The car exceeded 400 mph in both runs.
- Andy Green drove at Bonneville Salt Flats.
Explained simply
JCB is a British engineering company best known for making construction machinery. Hydromax is a specially built, 32-foot car powered by two hydrogen-fuelled internal-combustion engines; unlike a fuel cell, this type of engine burns hydrogen to produce power.
Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah is a broad, flat area where teams attempt land-speed records. Andy Green, the car’s driver, is a former RAF pilot who has also driven record-breaking vehicles. Land-speed records are measured over timed runs, with rules set by the relevant record-keeping body.
Hydrogen engines can produce water vapour at the exhaust, though the overall emissions depend on how the hydrogen is made and supplied. Hydromax’s performance is therefore relevant to debate over whether hydrogen combustion could have a role in lower-emission transport, as well as showing what the technology can do at high speed.