GM is looking to solve some of the world’s toughest transportation challenges with the help of their flexible autonomous fuel cell platform, dubbed the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure, or SURUS.
This platform will be presented at the fall meeting of the Association of the United States Army, and could even be adapted for military use, not just commercial.
“SURUS redefines fuel cell electric technology for both highway and off-road environments,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuell Cell Business.
“General Motors is committed to bringing new high-performance, zero-emission systems to solve complex challenges for a variety of customers.”
SURUS is equipped with GM’s new Hydrotec fuel cell system, autonomous features and truck chassis components. Put it all together and you should have a high-performance, zero-emission propulsion system that reduces human exposure to harm and minimizes any logistical burdens. Other benefits include quiet and odor-free operation, off-road mobility, field configuration, instantaneous high torque, exportable power generation, water generation and quick refueling times.
Some of the applications currently evaluated by General Motors for SURUS are utility trucks, mobile and emergency backup power generation, flexible cargo delivery systems, commercial freight, light and medium-duty trucks and military-specific configurations.
Powering the platform are two advanced electric drive units, a lithium-ion battery system and a Gen 2 fuel cell system. It also comes with four-wheel steering, hydrogen storage capabilities and an advanced suspension system.
The hydrogen storage system is said to offer more than 400 miles (643 km) of range.
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