Fuel Cell Truck for U.S. Army

The U.S. Army has taken delivery of a fuel cell-powered crew cab pickup from General Motors, the first such vehicle to be integrated into regular service with the U.S. military. The modified 7,500 pound GMT800 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with two 94 kW fuel cell stacks capable of generating 317 lbs-ft of torque, comparable to the torque generated by GM's 5.3-liter V-8 engine. Acceleration is also reportedly similar to that of a V-8 powered production truck. Three 10,000 psi compressed hydrogen storage tanks from Quantum Technologies provide a range of 125 miles.

 

The move is expected to familiarize the military with next-generation, commercially-developed fuel cell technology, which GM says will help the automaker drive down costs and create potential for future joint development of fuel cells. The truck will be evaluated outside of a combat role at an Army base in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, where it will be used to deliver packages. Testing is planned in different climates and locations throughout the U.S. to assess performance and provide the military firsthand experience with hydrogen and fuel cells.

 

Fuel cell systems could become important to future military use since they are both clean and quiet, and thus can provide a battlefield advantage. Additionally, since the U.S. Army has the largest fleet of vehicles in the world, improving fuel economy and reducing the logistics of the fuel supply chain through innovations like high-efficiency fuel cells, and hydrogen fuel potentially generated in the field, could save millions of dollars. Taking into account all costs including transporting fuel, the U.S. Army currently spends up to $400 dollars per gallon for fuel used in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.