The physically imposing Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, the most extreme fuel-cell-powered electric truck ever from General Motors (GM), was revealed at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
Standing more than 198cm tall and more than 213cm wide, the Colorado ZH2 was built on a stretched mid-size pickup chassis. Reinforced inside and out, the ZH2 rides on 37-inch tyres and a specially modified suspension that helps the vehicle negotiate all manner of terrain.
The US Army will test the Colorado ZH2 in extreme field conditions next year to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions.
The Colorado ZH2 features an Exportable Power Take-Off unit (EPTO) that allows the fuel cell to power activity away from the vehicle, such as remote locations where electric power may otherwise be unavailable.
GM and the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated to develop the Colorado ZH2 from contract to concept in less than a year. GM is leveraging a range of advanced technologies for multiple applications, including military.
The US Army will evaluate the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 for near-silent operation enabling silent watch capability, reduced acoustic and thermal signatures, high wheel torque at all speeds via electric drive,
low fuel consumption across operating range, and water by-product for battlefield uses.
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