SURUS new technology in fuel-cell autonomous platform at AUSA 2017.

General Motors Hydrotec displays new technology in fuel-cell platform with its SURUS, Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure with self-driving capabilities at the Association of the United States Army Exhibition and Conference in Washington D.C., United States.

General Motors Hydrotec SURUS Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure at Association of United States Army Exhibition and Conference in Washington D.C., United States.

General Motors aims to solve some of the toughest transportation challenges created by natural disasters, complex logistics environments and global conflicts has developed Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure (SURUS), a flexible fuel cell electric platform with autonomous capabilities. The commercially designed platform could be adapted for military use.

The SURUS leverages GM’s newest Hydrotec fuel cell system, autonomous capability and truck chassis components to deliver high-performance, zero-emission propulsion to minimize logistical burdens and reduce human exposure to harm. Benefits include quiet and odor-free operation, off-road mobility, field configuration, instantaneous high torque, exportable power generation, water generation and quick refueling times. The fuel-cell system coupled with SURUS is capable of more than 643 km of range.

Fuel cell technology represents a key piece of General Motors’ zero emission strategy. It offers a solution that can scale to larger vehicles with large payload requirements and operate over longer distances. SURUS was designed to form a foundation for a family of commercial vehicle solutions that leverages a single propulsion system integrated into a common chassis. The SURUS platform is equally well-suited for adaptation to military environments where users can take advantage of flexible energy resources, field configurability and improved logistical characteristics.

The SURUS platform will deliver highly mobile autonomous capability and agility in unpredictable terrain. Operating multiple vehicles in a leader-follower configuration could reduce manpower needed. For future potential military uses, the system’s inherent low heat signature and quiet operation offer benefits in environments to reduce detection and risks. TARDEC has been in discussions with GM evaluating the commercial SURUS concept as a next step of the broader collaboration to evaluate fuel cell technology for future military applications.

“SURUS redefines fuel cell electric technology for both highway and off-road environments,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Global Fuel Cell Business. “General Motors is committed to bringing new high-performance, zero-emission systems to solve complex challenges for a variety of customers.”