GM Unveils First Autonomous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Platform | GM
GM SURUS | GM Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure
GM Unveils First Autonomous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Platform
General Motors (GM), addressing transportation challenges in harsh environments created by natural disasters, complex logistics, and global conflicts, unveiled its autonomous, hydrogen fuel cell platform, "SURUS (Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure)," at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition held from October 9-11, 2017.
Text by HARA Akira
A Utility Truck for Commercial and Military Use
Leveraging GM's latest hydrogen fuel cell system, autonomous driving technology, and truck chassis components, "SURUS" achieves high-performance, zero-emission propulsion that minimizes logistical burdens and reduces human exposure to danger. Its advantages include quiet operation, lack of odor, off-road capability, adaptability to complex terrain, high power output, and instant high torque generation. Furthermore, it produces only water as a byproduct and can be refueled quickly.
Fuel cell technology is a key element of GM's zero-emission strategy, promising enhanced performance and extended range for heavy-payload vehicles.
Designed as a foundation for commercial vehicles, "SURUS" integrates a single power unit into a common chassis. It delivers advanced autonomous driving capabilities, enabling agile performance in unpredictable environments. When used in conjunction with multiple vehicles, either leading or following, it can reduce the required personnel.
Key features include two advanced electric drive units, four-wheel steering, a lithium-ion battery system, a Gen fuel cell system, a hydrogen storage system with a range of over 400 miles, advanced electronics for propulsion, GM truck chassis components, and an advanced suspension system.
GM is currently exploring applications for SURUS in areas such as utility trucks, mobile and emergency backup power, flexible cargo delivery systems, commercial transport, and future military-specific technologies.
In the military domain, its low heat generation and minimal operating noise are particularly advantageous, reducing the risk of detection. Evaluations based on the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) guidelines are underway using light and medium trucks, modified from the Chevrolet Colorado ZH2. Tests at various bases have shown a 90% reduction in the acoustic detection range compared to current military vehicles.
Charlie Freese, Executive Director of GM Global Fuel Cell Business, stated, "SURUS represents the future role of fuel cell technology on highways and off-road. By introducing a zero-emission system with unprecedented performance, GM is poised to provide solutions for a wide range of complex challenges for all our customers."



