Chevrolet Colorado ZH2: Driving the Insane Concept Truck
Road Show takes a spin in Chevrolet’s hydrogen fuel cell powered Colorado ZH2.
Most of us can only drool over concept vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, hoping that maybe someday they’ll be available to the general public. And then there are others, like CNET’s Road Show, who get to actually ride in the darn things. Off road, of course, because this isn’t some non-functional show queen of a concept.
That’s because unlike most every concept ever built, the Colorado ZH2 was designed from the start as a test mule. Now that the hydrogen fuel cell powered truck has completed the show circuit, it’s time to get it dirty. And not just for fun, mind you. The Army is actually using the ZH2 to determine the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in combat environments.
Unlike your average gas powered Colorado, the ZH2 uses a hydrogen fuel cell and compressed hydrogen gas to power everything from the wheels to the radio. And also unlike gas powered vehicles, this one emits no emissions – only water. But this truck isn’t exactly an eco-friendly hyper miler either. It’s a purpose built off road vehicle.
A stretched frame sits underneath an enlarged body that’s almost as big as a Ford Raptor shell. The ZH2’s suspension is derived from the excellent ZR2, and it all rolls on massive 37″ tires. And in the unlikely event that you get stranded, there’s an “Exportable Power Take-Off Unit” in the bed that turns the truck into a massive portable generator.
So what’s it like to drive? Road Show marvels at how quiet the suspension is, and of course the drivetrain. There’s plenty of torque and clearance to clear obstacles. In fact, the ZH2 appears to be just as or more capable than the ZR2. But in the ZH2, you can rip through the forest without disturbing any woodland creatures.
