Green targets new land speed record with hydrogen-powered car

In Wendover, Utah, the first and only person to break the sound barrier in a car, Andy Green, is attempting to set another land speed record. This event is taking place on the Bonneville Salt Flats, a historic site for speed records since 1914. Green is driving the JCB Hydromax, a 32-foot vehicle powered by two hydrogen internal combustion engines, which produce a combined 1,600 horsepower. The engines are adapted from those used in JCB's construction machinery, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative. Green's goal is not only to break the diesel-powered record but also to surpass existing records for hydrogen internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. The attempt is significant as it highlights the importance of hydrogen in reducing emissions, a sentiment echoed by JCB Chair Anthony Bamford. The car has undergone rigorous testing, and Green has spent considerable time learning how to handle the vehicle's unique characteristics, including its high-speed capabilities and safety measures for hydrogen combustion. The Bonneville Salt Flats, known for its low-friction surface, provides an ideal setting for such high-speed endeavors, although safety remains a concern, especially following a tragic incident last year where a driver died attempting to set a record. Green's current attempt is a blend of adventure and innovation, aiming to prove the viability of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for the future.