Military-tough Chevy Colorado ZH2 breaks cover

The imposing Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, the most extreme off-road-capable fuel-cell-powered electric vehicle ever produced by General Motors, was revealed yesterday (October 3) at a meeting of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

Standing two metres tall and more than that in width, the Colorado ZH2 was built on a stretched ‘midsize pickup’ chassis. Reinforced inside and out, the ZH2 rides on 37-inch tyres and a specially-modified suspension that helps the vehicle climb over and descend all manner of terrain.

The US Army will test the Colorado ZH2 in extreme field conditions next year to determine the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles on military missions.

GM and the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated to develop the Colorado ZH2 from contract to concept in less than a year.

“The speed with which innovative ideas can be demonstrated and assessed is why relationships with industry are so important to the Army,” said Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC.

“Fuel cells have the potential to expand the capabilities of Army vehicles significantly through quiet operation, exportable power and solid torque performance, all advances that drove us to investigate this technology further.”

The Army will evaluate the ZH2 fuel cell for various advantages such as stealth, high torque for off-roading, low consumption and operating range.

“The Colorado ZH2 is a terrific example of GM’s engineering and design skill in creating an off-road vehicle relevant to a range of potential users,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Activities.

“Over the next year, we expect to learn from the Army the limits of what a fuel cell propulsion system can do when really put to the test.”

All we want to know is whether the mods can be transferred to the Holden Colorado and when it’s going to be available here...