406 MPH! Hydrogen Power Conquers Bonneville

The JCB Hydromax, a hydrogen-powered streamliner, has provisionally set a new FIA global land speed record. The vehicle achieved an average speed of 406.320 mph during runs on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Wing Commander Andy Green, who previously set a diesel land speed record, piloted the British-built machine.

According to FIA regulations, the Hydromax completed two runs in opposite directions within one hour, recording speeds of 400.623 mph and 412.135 mph. The final ratification of this record is pending from the FIA's Land Speed Records Commission. If confirmed, it will significantly beat the 2004 hydrogen internal-combustion record of 185.5 mph.

The Hydromax also surpassed JCB's 2006 diesel record of 350.092 mph. Furthermore, it established a new hydrogen fuel-cell record, eclipsing the prior 303 mph mark. This positions the Hydromax as the fastest hydrogen-powered vehicle recorded to date.

Unlike fuel-cell vehicles, the Hydromax utilizes hydrogen in internal-combustion engines. It is powered by a pair of production-based hydrogen engines derived from units designed for JCB construction equipment, generating approximately 1,600 horsepower combined. This technology is part of JCB's $100 million investment in hydrogen engine development. The engines burn pressurized hydrogen with air, emitting no carbon dioxide at the exhaust, though the overall environmental impact depends on hydrogen production methods.