Featured GM SURUS platform

Source: GM Shows Off A New Autonomous Fuel-Cell Truck Platform Called SURUS And Its Pretty Damn Cool

. . . I was surprised by GM’s announcement of their new robotic fuel-cell-powered all-terrain utility-truck platform, SURUS. Most automaker reveals aren’t this confidently utilitarian, and it also seems to be a rebirth of a GM concept I thought was long dead, the Hy-wire fuel-cell concept that featured a self-contained, skateboard-like platform. The surprise is good, because the concept seems very promising.
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GM is pitching the SURUS concept to utility and military applications, and their press release describes the vehicle’s potential abilities:

SURUS 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 has four-wheel steering, two motors, a LiON battery system as well as a fuel cell system for a total of 400 miles of range and uses chassis components from GM’s existing truck lines.
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Hummm, since VW also seems to have trouble with their 'concept' . . .


Of course, consider the source:


The fly in the ointment: ". . . a fuel cell system . . ." It could travel between the three or four hydrogen stations in California to pickup and drop off CARB staff. While waiting for the hydrogen stations, it would truly be "Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure (SURUS)".

Bob Wilson