General Motors is preparing for the U.S. Army a Chevrolet Colorado that will run on a commercial hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. The choice of this technology is based on very high low-end torque capability, that is useful in off-road environments. It also offers exportable electric power and quiet operation, attractive characteristics to both commercial and military use.
This demonstrator is built in cooperation with the TARDEC*. The aim is to test the truck to the extremes of daily military use for 12 months.
GM and TARDEC have fuel cell development and research facilities located 20 minutes apart in Pontiac and Warren (Michigan). The two partners will collaborate to evaluate new fuel cell designs and materials. TARDEC’s state-of-the-art facility enables it to test and integrate fuel cell systems it has been developing for more than a decade.
*Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center