Car lovers will no doubt have heard about the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, a new truck developed by General Motors in conjunction with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to test the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles in military missions. Well, now there’s actual footage of this beast in action, courtesy of the folks over at CNET’s “Roadshow,” who were lucky enough to ride in it at GM’s Milford Proving Ground in Michigan. Try not to drool as you watch the video above.
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The Colorado ZH2 is, as we mentioned, a hydrogen fuel cell truck, meaning the gas engine powertrain has been swapped out with a hydrogen fuel cell, which then generates electricity via compressed hydrogen gas. This is key, because it means that the ZH2 offers, in theory, near-silent operation, reduced heat signatures, and the capability of soldiers to create their own water in the field.
Built on a stretched mid-size pickup chassis, the ZH2 stands over 6½ feet tall and more than seven feet wide. It sports 37-inch tires. A Multimatic DSSV (dynamic suspensions spool valve) suspension that enables it to climb over and descend all types of terrain is part of the package, too.
The ZH2 also includes an Exportable Power Take-Off unit (EPTO) that, as Roadshow notes, essentially converts the vehicle into a “portable generator,” enabling the fuel cell to power activity in remote locations where electric power wouldn’t otherwise be immediately available.
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GM will continue testing the Colorado ZH2 at Milford Proving Ground early this year, at which point it’ll be handed over to the Army for a year of testing in the field.
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