SEMA 2016: US Army testing Chev's fuel-cell Colorado

If you hadn't noticed yet, utes are really popular right now. And it's not just private buyers flocking to the practical vehicles in their droves – the US military now wants in!

In fact, the GIs have raised their collective hands to test an altogether different type of green machine – a fuel-cell vehicle based on a Chevy Colorado.

Built on a stretched Colorado chassis, but with few components shared with the standard production vehicle, the Colorado ZH2 concept was one of the stars of the Chevrolet exhibit at the massive SEMA show – the home of automotive accessories and aftermarket parts.

The hydrogen fuel-cell powered creation will begin testing with the US military in early 2017 to see how the powertrain copes in extreme scenarios.

"The Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 is part of a multiyear cooperative partnership between GM's engineering team and the U.S. military," said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM's Global Fuel Cell Business.

"We are putting the ZH2 to work on Army bases around the country, and it will be in the hands of real-world war fighters."

The idea behind the test is that the ZH2's silent movement would make it a useful scouting and reconnaissance vehicle, its electric motors providing massive torque to enable rapid response too.

There are real-world benefits too, such as EV trial bike riders have experienced, the silent running allowing a more seamless off-road experience that doesn't scare away wildlife as abruptly. Chevrolet points out too that while there's hydrogen remaining in the ZH2's tanks, it can supply potable water for the crewmen on board.

Utes, or pick-up trucks as Americans refer to them, were in abundance at SEMA, including another Colorado and a concept based on the full-sized Silverado.

The Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Hurley concept is aimed at surfers and shows what can be done to the ute with a bit of jiggery-pokery.

The "wave wanderer" as Chevy calls it is designed to be a mobile beach command centre and features custom surfboard racks, water-resistant covers made from ventiprene (similar to neoprene used in wetsuits) and a Bimini-style tray cover to provide shade.

There are racks in the back, along with dry wetsuits. A suspension lift kit and Goodyear DuraTrac off-road tyres lend the ute the ability to reach remote surf breaks. The exterior colour is a custom Seafoam Green.

Featuring a lockable and water-resistant cargo setup, the burly Silverado 1500 High Desert is all about tool security. The custom Silverado is also a premium ute, fitted with a sporty body kit including side sail planes and magnetic ride control.

It's offered with either a 6.2-litre V8, which may be familiar to SS Commodore owners, belting out 313kW and 623Nm of torque.