Two hydrogen-burning engines powered this car to a new land speed record

Key Points:

• The JCB Hydromax set a new hydrogen-powered land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, achieving a two-way average speed of 406.320 mph (653.91 km/h), more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion record.
• JCB, a UK-based industrial equipment manufacturer, developed a high-performance hydrogen combustion engine by modifying two engines to produce 800 hp each, incorporating turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and advanced cooling systems.
• RAF Wing Commander Andy Green, who previously set the supersonic Thrust SSC record and a diesel land speed record with JCB, piloted the Hydromax during its record-breaking runs.
• The Hydromax's speed surpasses previous hydrogen combustion, hydrogen fuel cell, and electric vehicle land speed records but remains below the fastest wheel-driven record of 449 mph set by Challenger II in 2018.
• JCB's innovation reflects a strategic shift toward hydrogen combustion engines as a practical alternative to diesel, aiming to meet carbon emissions targets while maintaining high performance for industrial applications.