TARDEC to demo ZH2 fuel cell vehicle

The US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) is set to hold a demonstration of the General Motors ZH2 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) at Schofield Barracks later this month.

The demonstration will allow the US Army to evaluate capabilities of the ZH2 vehicle, a modified Chevy Colorado fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell and electric drive. 

According to TARDEC, the ZH2 vehicle produces high torque and is equipped with 37in tyres that increase its off-road manoeuvrability to negotiate rough and steep terrain. When the vehicle is immobile, it can generate 25kW of continuous power or 50kW of peak power.

There are 120 and 240 volt outlets located in the trunk, allowing for silent power off-loading for base operations. The vehicle’s hydrogen fuel cell can produce two gallons per hour of potable water.

This is the final soldier user evaluation event to demonstrate technology on the ZH2. The soldiers at the brigade level will put the vehicle to rigorous testing within a larger operational training exercise involving a recon mission of enemy forces in jungle terrain.

The ZH2’s drive system does not produce smoke, noise, odour or thermal signature, allowing soldiers to conduct silent watch on the battlefield.