The cars will be provided by Hyundai as an integral part of its launch plans for the next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle which is due in 2018, with the South Korean auto maker providing servicing and maintenance for the fleet.
Advertisement
The vehicle can trace its genesis to the signing of an agreement between TARDEC and GM back in 2015.
The collaboration gives TARDEC access to GM’s consumer-driven automotive technology, while TARDEC gives GM feedback on alternative applications for its fuel-cell technology.
Nearly a year after it was first announced, General Motors and the U.S. Army are getting ready to a reveal a prototype hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle based on the Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. It will be looking to demonstrate its propulsion and things such as exportable power generation, low-end torque and water generation.
The company and TARDEC will showcase the vehicle at the Association of the United States Army’s fall meeting.
The Army says it plans to do user assessments and demonstrations next year.
“Hydrogen fuel cells as a power source have the potential to bring to the force incredibly valuable capabilities”, said TARDEC Director Paul Rogers. General Motors has announced its fuel cell-powered Chevy Colorado created for military use will be revealed in early October, while dropping a shadowy teaser image of the new mil-spec rig. ‘It also offers additional characteristics attractive to both commercial and military off-road use.’ Neither GM nor TARDEC released vehicle specifics, but Rogers said the Army is focusing on the technology and its capabilities, regardless of the platform.
The Army will field test the Colorado FCEV in 2017.
“Fuel cell propulsion has low-end torque capability that is useful in an off-road environment”, Rogers said.
Advertisement
The project also hinges on cooperation from Neoen, and Megawatt Capital, in a move that will allow enough hydrogen generation to power a 1000 vehicle fleet covering an average of 14,000km per year without relying on fossil fuels. “We need to continue pursing these opportunities along with our plans for production of a commercial fuel cell system in the 2020 time frame”.
