General Motors has announced collaboration with the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center (TARDEC), which will give birth to a modified hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Colorado.
GM says that fuel cell propulsion has very high low-end torque capability useful in off-road environments, while also offering exportable electric power and quiet operation, which are attractive characteristics to both commercial and military use.
“FCVs are very quiet vehicles, which scouts, special operators and other specialties place a premium. What’s more, fuel cells generate water as a by-product, something extremely valuable in austere environments”, said Paul Rogers, TARDEC Director.
The Chevy Colorado prototype will be put to the extremes of daily military use for 12 months. Both GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development and research facilities 20 minutes apart from each other, which will ease collaboration.
The hydrogen fuel cell technology addresses two major environmental challenges for cars these days, petroleum use and CO2 emissions. Hydrogen can be created from sources like wind and biomass and water is the only emission.
General Motors says that it will announce more details on the project later.
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