General Motors in collaboration with the US Army developed an off-road capable 4X4 that is not only quite but is powered by hydrogen. It seems the future of stealth military operations is here: the Chevrolet ZH2.
Technically, the Chevrolet ZH2, as what it is called, is a concept. But what GM and the US Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) concocted is a truck that seems to be part of a silent film, where the only thing you could here are its screeching tires and the low hum of its engine.
As diesel-powered Humvees have long been part of the military's vehicles, they are noisy and fossil fuel-dependent. In fact, they have lost their true off-road capabilities thanks to the additional heavy armor so they can be resilient to any enemy attack.
Thus, what military vehicles need is stealth, which is one of the most promising benefits of the hydrogen cell technology, when applied for military ops. This hydrogen-powered truck is the brainchild of a $4 million partnership between GM and US Army in order to determine if hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles are fit for battle.
Standing over 6.5 feet and is 7-feet wide, there is still that Colorado DNA, as this behemoth truck is riding on a stretched Colorado frame and on a Multimatic dynamic suspension spool valve (DSSV). It sports 37-inch off-road tires with matching LED lights. It surely can tackle any terrain, thanks to its suspension borrowed from the ZR2.
Again, this is still technically a concept, but it packs more than 1000 pound-feet of torque with a top speed of around 70 mph. It is more than capable of going 200 to 300 miles.
But how does is hydrogen fuel cell really work? In a nutshell, the Chevrolet ZH2 runs on electricity generated by its hydrogen fuel cell, which offers greater fuel efficiency, range, and of course, noise reduction compared with diesel-powered 4X4.
Basically, its hydrogen fuel cell pumps hydrogen, of course, where it is combined with oxygen. It then releases electrical energy powering the ZH2. As a bonus, its by-product is water (H20).
Brian Butrico, with the U.S. Army's Research and Development and Engineering Command, said that it is possible for them to take the exhaust gas from the engine, or the fuel cell, and create potable water. "The soldiers can actually create their own drinking water as they're operating the vehicle," added Butrico.
Now, since the ZH2 is not burning fuel, there is not much "thermal signature" that can be picked up by heat-sensing night vision cameras. This could be the ultimate stealth.
The Chevrolet ZH2 also carries the Exportable Power Take-off Units in its trunk. Yes, the bed isn't there anymore. This turns the truck into a portable generator, which is a major advantage for the military in places where power grids cannot reach.
Now, the future? Since GM is using an older-generation fuel cell system for the Chevrolet ZH2, they are working on smaller and even quieter, powerful, and affordable systems. Also, this would be an even greater future for many vehicles if hydrogen fuel cell is found in many civilian vehicles.
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