New World Record Set by JCB Hydromax Hydrogen Car

On Tuesday, JCB Hydromax made headlines with its hydrogen-powered car, which reached impressive speeds at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This twin-engine vehicle, measuring 32 feet in length, managed to average 400.623 mph on its first run and 412.135 mph on the second. Ultimately, its average speed of 406.320 mph has set a new world record for land speed, surpassing the old record of 185.5 mph held by the BMW H2R since 2004. However, this record still awaits official recognition from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Wing Commander Andy Green, the driver, described this achievement as an “extraordinary” technical milestone. He noted that a new category for internal combustion engine hydrogen racing was created at Bonneville Speedweek, emphasizing the substantial gap between JCB’s record and those of other hydrogen vehicles.

Green shared that developing a car capable of hitting 400 mph usually takes years—often three to five—but JCB managed to pull it off in just over a year. The initial design meeting took place about a year ago, leading to the car’s construction within five weeks after nine months of component development.

“They managed to achieve a perfect fuel ratio that hadn’t been established for hydrogen engines,” Green explained. It’s worth noting that industry experts typically believe this kind of venture would require several attempts over five or six years to succeed.

Green revealed the extensive challenges faced, including testing in extreme conditions at high altitudes and dealing with soaring temperatures on the salt flats. To cool the engine and turbocharger, the car utilized around 400 pounds of ice and water, crucial since hydrogen cannot function in hot air. Indeed, even a brief contact of water with engine oil could lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Another crucial aspect was the car’s parachute system, which plays a vital role in ensuring the vehicle comes to a safe halt after reaching such high speeds. After the first successful run, the team decided to push the limits further, hoping to achieve even more speed.

“This is the most power and speed we’ve ever experienced. We hit 412 mph in one direction and consistently averaged 406 mph,” Green remarked, excited about the accomplishment. The measured mile was completed in just under nine seconds, with Green describing how the visual perception of speed changes dramatically at those velocities.

On the second run, he was more focused on how to slow the car safely. Fortunately, the stopping procedure went according to plan, reinforcing the team’s confidence.

Green, who has a background as a jet fighter pilot, feels well-suited for this kind of high-speed endeavor. He found the project appealing, viewing it as a technical challenge, and was thrilled by the prospect of hydrogen technology leading the way for a zero-carbon future in motorsports.

“You can create hydrogen from sunlight and water and propel a race car at incredible speeds; it’s a thrilling concept,” Green concluded, highlighting the promising direction of future automotive technology.