GM, US Army develops Hydrogen Fuel Cell-powered Chevrolet Colorado

The US Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) is working with General Motors to develop a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain pick-up truck.

CNET reported that the military and the giant car manufacturing company are planning to come up with a mid-size Chevrolet Colorado that will undergo a year of extreme military testing to see if it is strong enough for such features. Hydrogen fuel cells is a technology where fresh air and compressed hydrogen gas are combined to create electricity. That will charge the batteries that will power the vehicles. Water is the only byproduct of this process.

"FCVs (fuel-cell vehicles) are very quiet vehicles, which scouts, special operators and other specialties place a premium," according to TARDEC Director Paul. "What's more, fuel cells generate water as a by-product, something extremely valuable in austere environments."

The hydrogen fuel cell allows the vehicle to transport equipment in remote areas, according to Fox News. The high torque produced by the electric power train will give the pick-up truck excellent performance off road. The program's cost has not yet been announced. There is only a teaser image revealed for now. The rest of the vehicle will be revealed mid-year in 2016 when it will start the 12-month testing.  

In a report by The Tribune, fuel cell vehicles are very useful for special operations since it is very quiet. It is an efficient scout vehicle. In harsh environments, like deserts, the water it emits as byproduct is also very useful. Besides that GM spokesman Dean Flores said the vehicle is also very environmentally friendly. He said, "The only emission is water. Beyond that, fuel cell vehicles can be used essentially as a portable generator. It can power hospitals."

TARDEC Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility Associate Director Al Grein said they will carry out a series of tests for the Chevy Colorado, including military utility tests, acoustic tests, off-road mobility, and performance tests.