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SURUS, along with the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle demonstrator, is the most prominent feature of GM and TARDEC’s lengthening collaboration in exploring fuel cell technology in military applications. Both vehicles were developed by GM as a result of more than 50 years of fuel cell research and development. GM’s SURUS is a commercially-designed fuel cell electric vehicle platform, which could be modified for military use.
GM designed SURUS as a flexible electric vehicle platform, which uses fuel cell propulsion technology to convert on-board gaseous hydrogen to drive its electric motors.
Functionally, SURUS is a modular platform, allowing various modules or “top hats,” to switch out depending upon the need. Use cases can vary, from troop-carriers and equipment tie-downs to mobile, hydrogen-generated power generators, which can produce up to 100kW of portable power, or self-contained medical support modules.
“Imagine the flexibility that a platform like this can provide the Army as we work to develop future combat and combat support systems,” says Kari Drotleff, TARDEC’s program manager for fuel cell vehicle research efforts. “One platform could be configured to deliver cargo in a resupply mission and later travel in advance of troops to provide a charging base for unmanned reconnaissance vehicles.”
The Army views fuel cell technology as a potential leap-ahead solution for silent battlefield mobility, low heat generation, silent electricity generation, and flexible fuel generation and storage needs. Though in development for decades at the Army’s automotive R&D facility, its increasing acceptance in the commercial automotive marketplace offers affordability to the Army as further development and integration efforts demonstrate needed utility.
“We’ve proven that fuel cells can create advantages,” Drotleff says. “Our engineers are excited about the potential of the technology and how it may fit into the Army logistics landscape.”
TARDEC and GM have enjoyed a successful fuel cell-focused collaborative research relationship for years, beginning with a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement to test fuel cell stacks. This relationship grew through the development of the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, which debuted in 2016 and was tested and demonstrated by the Army in the 12 months following. GM presented SURUS in 2017 at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army.
ABOUT TARDEC
Headquartered at the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Mich., TARDEC is a major research, development and engineering center for the Army Materiel Command’s Research, Development and Engineering Command, and is an enterprise partner in the TACOM LCMC. Find TARDEC’s latest news and updates at https://tardec.army.mil.
ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS CO.
General Motors Co., its subsidiaries and joint venture entities produce and sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang and Wuling brands. GM has leadership positions in several of the world's most significant automotive markets and is committed to lead the future of personal mobility. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Media Contacts:
Doug Halleaux
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center
586-282-8543
douglas.g.halleaux.civ@mail.mil
Megan Soule
General Motors
Advanced Technology Communications
313-495-1297
megan.soule@gm.com
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2018 13:44 |
| Story ID: | 277762 |
| Location: | DC, US |
| Web Views: | 559 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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