Last year, General Motors entered into an agreement with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center (TARDEC) to build an experimental fuel-cell powered vehicle based on the Chevrolet Colorado. We now have our first glimpse of that zero-emissions midsize pickup that will be tested during a 12-month evaluation regimen of “extreme military use.” Set for a full reveal in October, the project was envisioned as a win-win situation that would let TRADEC better leverage the next generation of clean-air technology and allow GM learn more about the potential of “non-standard” fuel cell technology applications.
As stated when the program was announced, the Army will employ this one-off vehicle in a series of field tests to demonstrate the wide-ranging capabilities fuel cell-based electric propulsion and power generation systems can bring to the military. Beyond fundamentally quieter operation and superb low-end torque that’s a huge plus in off-road maneuvers, the technology also offers the added bonus of being able to produce both electricity and water as part of its self-contained system. Expect full details about this forward-looking FCEV at its formal unveiling.
More Concept Vehicles…
The Audi e-tron Quattro Concept previews the upcoming Q6 crossover
Mazda Koeru Concept offers a look at a new compact crossover model
Porsche Mission E Concept: a 600-hp EV on the fast track to production
