Colorado ZH2 Ready For Stealthy Military Assault
We’re all anxiously awaiting the reveal of the Colorado ZR2 off-road monster, but Chevrolet gave us a glimpse into the future today at a military expo in Washington. Working closely with the United States military, Chevrolet has developed a variation of the Colorado for use in strategic and combat situations. It’s called the ZH2, and it’s special.
Aside from the bodywork and special features required by the military, the ZH2 is special because it’s a hydrogen-powered pickup truck. That means that an electric motor actually drives the movement of the truck, and that has benefits the military are looking into closely.
For example, electric motors run virtually silent. That means the ZH2 could approach the enemy without the enemy hearing it. Stealth is always important in ensuring troop safety and mission success.
Secondly, electric motors make their torque from 0 rpm, which would be extremely helpful if off-road situations. Combined with 37″ tires, the Colorado ZH2 should be a pretty capable off-roader.
Lastly, by using an electric motor and a hydrogen fuel cell, the truck should be more difficult to pick up on thermal imaging, where an internal combustion engine would show up as being quite hot.
There is also an added side-effect that could be extremely valuable; water exhaust. Water is what comes out of the exhaust of a hydrogen vehicle, which could be used for a lot of useful reasons.
We like the idea of advancing hydrogen fuel cells, and the military seems to be the right place to test it. Also, this Colorado just looks badass!
What do you think? Let us know over in the forums!