Chevy's Colorado ZH2 - Not Just a Pet Project?

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham
Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
11-02-2016

This week Chevrolet released some more details on the ZH2's engineering and its overall scope of work on this hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. We've reported previously on this collaboration with the U.S. military by Chevy, but the new information adds some perspective to the program.

 

Taking the last news first, Chevy says it has expanded its off-road testing area in Yuma, AZ. The proving grounds in Yuma have been open since 2009, but a new course was recently developed and it has a direct relationship with the ZH2. Chevy says it added "... high-speed desert sand trails; low-speed, loose river rock crossings; and steep, technical hill climbs and descents." Sounds a lot like the areas that the U.S. military have found themselves in over the past couple of decades.

The ZH2 Colorado has been built for off-road missions. Interestingly, Chevy credits the 37-inch BF Goodrich tires mounted to 17-inch beadlock wheels as the foundation of the improvements. However, Chevy also says that it has "...proprietary damper technology that provides body control for trail running and expanded wheel travel for rock crawling." For now, Chevy is holding back on further details of the shocks, but promises more information later. Chevy did list the results of the chassis, suspension,and wheel/tire modifications the ZH2 was fitted with in this specification overview:

-12 inches of ground clearance
-48-degree approach angle and 39-degree departure angle
-Top speed above 60 mph
-Ability to ascend, descend and restart on 40 percent grade
-20 percent side slope capability

-25 ft. curb-to-curb turning radius

In addition to the road-going capabilities Chevy has enhanced, the ZH2's fuel cell power plant required many changes to the thermal management of the vehicle. A clamshell covering the rear of the ZH2 has intakes directing air to radiators honeycombed behind the rear doors. Chevy says that relocating the air intakes near the roofline reduces dust and dirt ingested by the cooling system during extreme conditions. No air for combustion is needed, but the ZH2 does generate waste heat that requires removal. Under the clamshell is the Exportable Power Take-off (EPTO) electric power unit. The EPTO unit can output both high- and low-voltage A/C (240V or 120V) delivering up to 50 kW peak. That is enough juice to power a small field hospital for hours.

 

Chevy also said in a statement this week that the company "...is putting the ZH2 to work on Army bases around the country, and it will be in the hands of real-world war fighters.”

[Zane]

Here's a few photos from the unveiling yesterday at SEMA.

[Jsdirt]

Ahh, a fuel cell - that's what that thing was!

 

Definitely a sharp looker. Best looking vehicle I've seen out there yet.

[Cap'n Hook]

There's a sliding scale on whether concept vehicles will be produced versus how they look. As awesome as this one looks, no chance in hell it makes it to production.

[Jsdirt]

That was my first thought as well. They'll find a way to ruin it, like usual.