戦地で電気も、水も供給できる！
GMは米国陸軍展示会にて「シボレー・コロラドZH2燃料電池車」を公開した。従来モデルから改修を受けたこの新型車は、2017年に軍事フィールドテストへと参加する予定になっている。
ミッドサイズのピックアップのシャシーをベースに仕立てられた全幅2.1×全高1.98mのこの軍用燃料電池車は、内外装を強化した上で悪路走破性を高める専用のサスペンションと37インチ径タイヤが装着されている。また、電源のない遠隔地での任務に備え、車両外部へも電力供給することのできる燃料電池ユニット（EPTO）を採用しているとのことだ。
偵察任務に最適な静粛性、騒音や熱などによる探知のむずかしさ、低速域での大トルク、副産物としての水が生成されるなどといった点で、燃料電池車は軍用車としての適性が高いとされている。ちなみにコロラドZH2は、GMと米軍事機関が共同開発した車両としては2台目。以前には米海軍と燃料電池を搭載した無人海底走行車（UUV）を開発しており、こちらは現在プールテストを実施している。
GMでは目下、燃料電池車の市販化に向けた市場テストとして“プロジェクト・ドライブウェイ”を推進中で、119台の車両ですでに310万マイル（約500万km）の実走行を重ねているという。
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- The Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle uses hydrogen as a fuel to power the truck based on Chevrolet’s midsize pickup. The rear of the vehicle contains an Exportable Power Takeoff unit, capable of providing 25kw to 50kw of electric power away from the vehicle. General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) revealed the vehicle at the fall meeting of the Association of U.S. Army show in Washington, D.C. on Monday (Oct. 3).
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- Top view of the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle shows the partial camouflage wrap and power dome. General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) revealed the vehicle at the fall meeting of the Association of U.S. Army show in Washington, D.C. on Monday (Oct. 3).
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- The Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle, revealed Monday at the Association of U.S. Army Show in Washington, D.C., strikes an aggressive pose with a power dome on its hood to denote the presence of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell system underneath. General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated on the vehicle, which went from contract to completion in a year.
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- Despite military-like front lights, the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle was developed with the off-road market, not specifically the military, in mind, General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) collaborated on the vehicle, which went from contract to completion in a year.
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- Inside the rear hatch of the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle is an Electric Power Takeoff unit, capable of providing 25kw of consistent electric power away from the vehicle, such as remote locations where electric power may otherwise be unavailable.
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- The Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle rides on 37-inch tires and a specially modified suspension that helps the vehicle climb over and descend all manner of terrain.
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- The ZH2 badge on the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle in prominently featured on the fenders behind the front wheels. The truck will be used as a U.S. Army demonstrator to evaluate on-board water production, exportable electric power and near silent operation married with extreme off-road capability.
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- Integrated tow hooks and winch in the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle are featured for use when aggressive pulling is needed.
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- The 2+2 interior of the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle features Recaro seats.
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- The Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 fuel cell electric vehicle is a conventionally driven truck powered by hydrogen that is converted to electricity through a fuel cell system.
