MILFORD – In January, the Army began officially testing the Chevy Colorado ZH2, the first ground-mobility combat vehicle that, if fielded, would be powered by a revolutionary new hydrogen fuel cell. The result of a $4 million collaboration between GM and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC), a functional hydrogen fuel cell would mean a greatly diminished heat signature and near-silent electric power system, making the ZH2 not just a more efficient pickup for military operations, but a strategically valuable asset downrange. Less noise means less exposure, which means less risk of showing up on enemy scopes.

Hydrogen fuel cells have long been an object of skepticism for engineers and designers, but after months of development, the ZH2 is finally getting the testing it deserves. In early April, GM shipped a prototype ZH2 to its proving ground in Milford ESto give the muscular new pickup the off-road test it deserves — a test you can (partially) observe, thanks to this brief video from Trucks.com:

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