Tractor Maker’s JCB Hydromax Sets New 406-mph World Land Speed Record For A Hydrogen-powered Vehicle

The JCB Hydromax has set a new FIA-verified World Land Speed Record for a hydrogen internal-combustion-powered vehicle, reaching a top speed of 406.320 mph (653.909 km/h) on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.

Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green, the JCB Hydromax’s latest record-breaking run more than doubled the previous FIA-recognised hydrogen internal-combustion record of 185.5 mph (298.5 km/h), set by the BMW H2R in 2004.

During the two runs required under FIA rules—one in each direction within an hour—the twin-engined, 32-foot-long car recorded an average speed of 400.623 mph on its first run and 412.135 mph on its second, producing a combined average speed of 406.320 mph.

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“This is a truly historic milestone for motorsport showcasing how innovation, performance, speed, and sustainability can go hand in hand. This new land speed record continues this tradition, showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion for the future of sustainable mobility,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the FIA.

Green now holds two extraordinary speed records achieved with two different powertrains. He is not only the fastest person ever propelled by hydrogen, but also the ‘fastest person on Earth’, after piloting the ThrustSSC to an FIA World Land Speed Record of 763.035 mph (1,227.986 km/h) in 1997.

Speaking on the record-breaking run, Lord Bamford, Chairman of JCB (J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited), said:

“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. This record was set by production-based engines, the same engines powering JCB diggers right now.”

UK-based company JCB is best known for its high-speed agricultural tractors, particularly the Fastrac range. In 2019, a modified Fastrac set a Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest tractor, reaching a peak speed of 153.771 mph (247.47 km/h).

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