GM Unveils Army Fuel Cell Test Vehicle

General Motors Co. on Monday took the wraps off the fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 the U.S. Army will begin testing next year.

Based on a stretched version of the conventionally powered Colorado pickup truck, the ZH2 features an updated version of the fuel cell system that GM previously evaluated in a fleet of 119 Chevy Equinox crossover vehicles. That program totaled 3.1 million miles of testing conducted by 5,000 people in real world conditions.

The Army notes that fuel cell vehicles could be beneficial in the field because of their quiet operation and strong low-end torque. Fuel cell vehicles, which have longer driving ranges than plug-in electric vehicles, also emit low acoustic and thermal signatures and can be used to generate electricity and water.

Riding on 37-inch tires, the ZH2 stands 78 inches tall and is more than 84 inches wide. The Army prototype is fitted with an upgraded suspension designed to handle extreme off-road conditions. Its removable power take-off unit can power electrical accessories in locations away from the vehicle.

Earlier this year GM announced a contract with the U.S. Navy to supply fuel cell systems for underwater drones. GM also is working with Honda Motor Co. on next-generation fuel cell stacks that promise to be significantly smaller, lighter and less expensive than current systems.