Summary
- US Army has a new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric rescue truck with a range of 1,500 miles
- The truck uses a mobile hydrogen generator that can provide power, heat, and water for emergency response staging areas
- The Department of Defense is exploring fuel cell vehicles for military operations in remote locations
- The use of green hydrogen is being developed to support fuel cell vehicles in austere environments
- General Motors is working on fuel cell vehicle projects to improve access to green hydrogen and renewable electricity
Article
The US Army has developed a versatile new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric rescue truck that can travel 1,500 miles before needing a refill. The Army is also working on a solar-powered electrolysis machine on wheels to recharge the tanks with renewable green hydrogen. The H2Rescue fuel cell truck is still in the prototype phase but could have a big impact on military operations in remote locations, providing power, heat, and water for emergencies.
Fuel cell electric vehicles produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and ambient air, resulting in only water as a byproduct. The Army has been cautious about incorporating electric vehicles into its procurement, but the benefits of emission-free, silent running, and support for climate action goals are pushing advancements in the area. The new H2Rescue truck aims to improve natural disaster and emergency response capabilities by providing power and water to affected areas.
The fuel cell truck has a driving range of 1,500 miles and can also deploy its fuel cells at an emergency response staging area to provide power for 15 homes over three days. Water produced as a byproduct can be significant, with one tank of hydrogen producing 200-400 gallons of water. The Army is looking to purify water from the fuel cells for human consumption, simplifying the logistics and reducing noise and pollution at forward operating bases.
The supply chain for hydrogen, currently sourced from natural gas and coal, is a challenge for the Defense Department’s climate action goals. Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis, is seen as a sustainable solution. A mobile green hydrogen project under the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit aims to generate fuel in remote locations using locally sourced water and renewable energy. Tactical fuel cell electric vehicles for military use are also being considered, alongside partnerships with companies like GM to develop fuel cell technology.
General Motors has been working on fuel cell vehicles, collaborating with global firms on hydrogen-fueled projects and efforts to push down the cost of green hydrogen. GM’s Hydrotec division is developing a fuel cell truck and green hydrogen microgrid as part of the SuperTruck 3 program funded by the US Department of Energy. With advancements in green hydrogen technology and continued partnerships, the future of fuel cell electric vehicles for military and commercial use looks promising.
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