U.S. Army Engineers Break World Record with Hydrogen-Powered Emergency Relief Truck
Key Ideas
- U.S. Army engineers achieved a Guinness World Record with the H2Rescue vehicle, covering 1,806 miles using hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
- The hydrogen-powered truck, a collaboration between various government agencies and industry partners, features a mobile command center for disaster relief efforts.
- The project demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for emergency scenarios, providing silent power and water generation capabilities.
- The achievement sets a new standard for ground vehicle development and highlights the ongoing innovation and partnership efforts by the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center.
A team of U.S. Army engineers specializing in ground vehicle power and mobility made history by setting a Guinness World Record with the H2Rescue vehicle, a hydrogen-powered emergency relief truck. Covering a distance of 1,806 miles over 8 days without emitting any carbon dioxide, the truck showcased the potential of hydrogen fuel-cell technology. The project, which involved the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center, industry partners like Accelera by Cummins, and government agencies, aimed to develop a mobile command center for disaster relief scenarios.
The H2Rescue truck, equipped with dual 45 kW fuel cells and 176.4 kg of hydrogen storage, offers silent power generation and water supply capabilities, making it a valuable asset in emergency situations. The successful journey from Oakland to Sacramento on a single fuel tank highlighted the efficiency and reliability of the vehicle. The project emphasized the importance of cooperation between industry and government, showcasing the possibilities of interagency collaboration.
The achievement not only demonstrated the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for emergency response but also provided valuable data for future applications in the military. The success of the H2Rescue project underlines the commitment of the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center to innovation and partnership, setting a new benchmark in ground vehicle development and hybridization. By leveraging the latest technologies and fostering collaboration, the Center continues to advance ground vehicle systems to meet the evolving needs of the Army and the nation.