Almost one year ago, General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) announced they would be working together in the development of an up-and-coming military spec vehicle, which is be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. These are fuel cells (often compared to a battery) that use both hydrogen and oxygen as fuel to produce electricity and water. From there, the electricity that is produced will power the vehicle and the water can be emitted or captured for other uses- which is great for harsh desert conditions.
The vehicle, called the Colorado ZH2, is based on a stretched version of the Chevrolet Colorado, but, back to the hydrogen cells, has many more modifications to make it military-ready. It features an Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit, which allows the hydrogen fuel cells to power equipment in remote areas with rough terrain quietly and of course, with zero emissions. Additionally, the vehicle runs much cooler, so thermal cameras are unable to detect it as easily.
Curious about the power? The ZH2’s drivetrain produces 174 horsepower. This feeds one motor which is linked to all four wheels, however, GM is thinking about giving each axle its own motor.
Though this particular vehicle will likely not be making it to public roads, Charlie Freese, leader of GM’s fuel cell program, says that fuel cells will be making their way into customer hands at some point.
GM is doing some pretty awesome things, if you ask us. But since we can’t get our hands on this ZH2, come check out the 2016 Colorado at Jim Butler Chevrolet in St. Louis, MO!