Chevrolet Unveils the Monumental Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell EV Concept
General Motors takes a significant leap into the future of off-road driving with the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, a remarkable fuel cell electric vehicle. Debuted at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) fall meeting, the model boasts radical enhancements compared to its predecessors, promising an extreme off-road experience never seen before from the automaker.
Distinctive Design and Impressive Dimensions
The Colorado ZH2 is an imposing presence in the automotive world, standing more than 6.5 feet tall (almost 2 meters) and stretching over seven feet in width (over 2.1 meters). Crafted on an expanded midsize pickup chassis, the model doesn't merely show off its muscularity but packs power to match. The fortified structure, supported by 37-inch tires and a specially modified suspension system, navigates the roughest terrains with a remarkable ease, scaling heights and descending slopes with equal adeptness.
Military Application and Testing
The U.S. Army, in 2017, will expose the Colorado ZH2 to rigorous field conditions, testing the practicality of hydrogen-powered vehicles in military operations. With the off-road capabilities in focus, the Army’s usage will be a crucial determinant of the vehicle’s utility in real-world applications.
Innovative Power Generation
The vehicle features an innovative Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit, a system that turns the vehicle into a mobile power source. The EPTO taps into the energy of the fuel cell, allowing the provision of electric power in remote locations where such amenities are otherwise inaccessible. This feature further bolsters the vehicle’s practicality in off-grid situations, such as military operations in distant locations.
Quick Development and Collaboration
The ZH2 was brought to life in less than a year, thanks to the collaborative efforts between GM and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC). This partnership underscores the critical role that industrial relationships play in accelerating technological advancements, as noted by TARDEC's director, Paul Rogers. The project demonstrates the promising potential of fuel cell technology to revolutionize the capabilities of Army vehicles.
Potential Advantages of the ZH2 Fuel Cell
The Army's evaluation of the ZH2 focuses on several promising features, including near-silent operation, reduced acoustic and thermal signatures, high torque at all speeds, low fuel consumption, and a beneficial by-product - water, which could prove valuable in field conditions.
Location of Development and Future Testing
Most of the Colorado ZH2 was assembled in GM’s Advanced Vehicle Integration facility in Warren, Michigan. The proximity of GM and TARDEC’s fuel cell development laboratories has facilitated efficient collaboration. With calibration testing planned at GM’s Milford Proving Ground until early 2017, the vehicle will then be turned over to the Army for a year of comprehensive field testing.
GM's Wider Fuel Cell Applications and Future Plans
The Colorado ZH2 represents just one of GM's ventures into the realm of fuel cell applications. The year 2016 witnessed the U.S. Navy unveiling a GM fuel cell-powered Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV), a testament to GM's technological flexibility. With over 3.1 million miles of hydrogen fuel cell testing under their belt via Project Driveway, GM continues to pave the way in the fuel cell experience.
-Ed
2016 Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 Fuel Cell EV Concept
