Military Machines: Hydrogen-Powered Chevrolet Silverado Spotted

In this day in age, technology is constantly advancing and that’s especially true when it comes to the military. The military now has a new supplier of vehicles and futuristic technology. General Motors announced its creation of a special division that will cater to military hardware. It’s called GM Defense LLC and they are already working with the United States Army and Navy on projects as we speak.

With that being said, a new Chevrolet Silverado could be heading to the combat zone in a spiffy trim package, but not one available to the average Joe. GM Defense’s new Silverado looks to be a hydrogen-fueled electric Silverado ZH2 truck. Sources say this was showcased at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in October.

After hearing about the powerplant, it makes you wonder how it would stack up against the more traditional gas or diesel-powered vehicles normally obtained for armed conflict. We’re not doubting the hydrogen or the electric yet, but we’re interested to see how it compares in price and efficiency.

Like the Colorado ZR2, this Silverado ZH2 is riding on a set of high-performance Multimatic spool valve shocks. They make this truck ready for any off-road terrain. The ZH2 is also wrapped in a military-spec scheme. The camouflage looks to mimic the upcoming 2020 Silverado HD, as they both seem to share distinctive lighting and grill styles.

The Powerplant

Capable of traveling up to 400 miles, the ZH2 is equipped with a Hydrotec-branded fuel cell that utilizes three tanks of hydrogen. This power generator provides electricity in a stealthy but powerful package alongside its extremely quiet operation. Depending on the situation, this hydrogen-powered truck has a lower heat signature than a traditional internal combustion engine.

The pitch is that military units can convert the expensive JP8 fuel into hydrogen, and do it on-site rather than going to a special facility. The hydrogen can be used more efficiently in fuel cell vehicles like the ZH2s, which can be refueled in a fraction of the time it would take to charge a battery pack with similar range. GM is also developing a hydrogen-powered, fully-autonomous cargo vehicle called the SURUS with military applications in mind.

Oh, the truck produces drinkable water as its only emission. That alone is one of the coolest features of this truck.

With all of this hydrogen-powered talk, we are actually excited to see where this ends up. Do you think we could see hydrogen-powered consumer vehicles in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more information about GM Defense LLC, be sure and check out their website.

About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
Read My Articles

Enlist in the Diesel Army newsletter.

Receive the latest newsletter with the content you love from Diesel Army, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Diesel Army NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Diesel Army

DieselArmy

We'll send you the most exciting Diesel articles, news, truck features, and videos every week.

Diesel Army

Diesel Army NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Diesel Army

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


ORX
Off road, Jeeps, 4x4s
enginelabs
Engine Tech
dragzine
Drag Racing

Diesel Army

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • ORX Off road, Jeeps, 4x4s
  • EngineLabs Engine Tech
  • Dragzine Drag Racing

Diesel Army

DieselArmy

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Diesel Army

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading