GM sees military options for fuel cells

General Motors has secured two patents for a military vehicle concept that could see fuel cell-powered first aid deliveries made into warzones.

The primary patent relates to the title “GM Defense” which includes the use of ‘fuel cells, batteries and battery chargers’ and each in use to power a vehicle – including the use of fuel cells and hydrogen to power trucks, SUVs and engines.

The second patent is for a subsidiary logo representing GM’s intentions to grow in its supply of hardware to the US military.

The relationship is believed to have begun in 2016 when the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 concept (pictured) was revealed, with first deliveries made in April 2017 for testing.

The US Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center (TARDEC) modified a Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck to run using a commercial hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain in a test regime exposing the truck to extreme daily military use for one year.

In October 2017, GM also revealed the Surus flat-bed concept at the Detroit Auto Show, which stands for ‘Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure’.

It’s a welcome return to the battlefield for GM, which sold its General Dynamics division in 2003 for $1.1 billion.

The Surus will have a 640-kilometre range, driven by two electric motors, built on a truck chassis frame making it capable of mild levels of heavy haulage – and with autonomous capabilities.

Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Business, says the patents and concepts could be a game-changing application of fuel cells and the company’s return to the frontline.

“This is our commercial fuel cell solution that we think will solve real-world, near-term problems,” he said last October.

“This new business structure will enhance GM’s productivity, agility and affordability in a very dynamic customer environment,” he said.

“Our goal is to make it simpler and more seamless to do business with General Motors.”

The US Navy also revealed last year it was testing a GM-fuel cell propelled, unmanned submersible.