Chevrolet and the US Army Jointly Developed a Colorado-Based Fuel Cell SUV

Forgetting the Humvee just got easier

Whenever modern gear is mentioned – from weaponry to logistic equipment – the US Army will be involved one way or another. 

This time, TARDEC (the US Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center) joined Chevrolet in building a fuel-cell electric vehicle, scheduled for reveal this October.

There's not much we can tell you about the actual vehicle, apart from the fact that it will look like some sort of pickup truck-SUV mixed breed (since it sits on Chevy Colorado underpinnings) with futuristic headlights, judging by the teaser picture GM just published.

So, why is it useful to the armed forces? According to TARDEC director Paul Rogers, the vehicle's fuel-cell powertrain makes it 'quiet in operation and ready to provide electricity generation for needs away from the vehicle.' 

Moreover, an electric setup favors low-end torque capability which is more than welcome on rugged terrain, where mobility can make the difference between a successful or a failed mission.

Besides its military use, the project will give Chevrolet the opportunity to experiment with fuel-cell powertrains as they look to introduce their own such commercial setup – probably similar to what Toyota has to offer through their Mirai FCEV – by 2020.