Building a fuel cell pickup for battle

The primary reason the U.S. military is interested in FCEVs is that they're very quiet, according to Paul Rogers, director of the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), which is "a characteristic scouts, special operations and other [military] specialties place a premium upon."

TARDEC's Rogers added that fuel cells generate water as a by-product — something "extremely valuable" for soldiers operating in what he dubbed "austere environments."

A look at the 3 Phase AC synchronous motor that drives the vehicle. Electric drive enables high wheel torque at all speeds, GM noted.

The vehicle sports an AutoTrac two-speed locking transfer case and big 37-in. Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 tires.

The driver controls of the Colorado ZH₂ looks no different than the vehicle's gasoline- and diesel-fired brethren.

In the back, however, special Recaro Cross Sportster CS seating with Simpson 6-point harnesses are used, along with grab bar as well.

The Colorado ZH₂ can export power as well, so it can act as mobile generator for troops in the field; exporting between 25 and 50 kilowatts (kW) of electric power at 240 volts.

The truck features extra 120 volt outlets so troops can hook up a variety of electric-powered gear while in the field.

The truck's gross vehicle weight is 7,338 lbs., is 210.5 in. long, 80.3 in. wide, and 79.8 in. high with a range of 142 miles on a single load of hydrogen. It's also designed to be light enough to be air dropped into remote operational areas.