GM is looking to solve some of the world's toughest
transportation challenges with the help of their flexible autonomous fuel cell
platform, dubbed the Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure, or SURUS.
This platform will be presented at the fall meeting
of the Association of the United States Army, and could even be adapted for
military use, not just commercial.
SURUS is equipped with GM's new Hydrotec fuel cell
system, autonomous features and truck chassis components. Put it all together
and you should have a high-performance, zero-emission propulsion system that
reduces human exposure to harm and minimizes any logistical burdens. Other
benefits include quiet and odor-free operation, off-road mobility, field
configuration, instantaneous high torque, exportable power generation, water
generation and quick refueling times.
Some of the applications currently evaluated by
General Motors for SURUS are utility trucks, mobile and emergency backup power
generation, flexible cargo delivery systems, commercial freight, light and
medium-duty trucks and military-specific configurations.
Powering the platform are two advanced electric
drive units, a lithium-ion battery system and a Gen 2 fuel cell system. It also
comes with four-wheel steering, hydrogen storage capabilities and an advanced
suspension system.
The hydrogen storage system is said to offer more
than 400 miles (643 km) of range.
