GM

BRAND PRESENTS THE AUTONOMOUS HYDROGEN PLATFORM: A SURUS

Just a few days ago General Motors presented its electric model strategy for the coming years (see here), which includes the launch of two new models over the next 18 months. In this presentation, the American company also announced a total of 20 new models before 2023, which include models equipped with fuel cells that will be based on a new platform.

Now General Motors reveals the existence and the name of this platform, in addition to its first images and details. With the name of SURUS (Silent Utility Rover Universal Superstructure), there is not only the platform itself, but also a type of concept with a chassis that includes all the structural and mechanical elements, and in whose upper part only one surface is found fully designed to receive the structure of the vehicle.The purpose of this concept is to accommodate numerous types of vehicles based on this structure, as you can see in the different recreational images presented by the brand.According to GM's development department, all problems associated with hydrogen in civilian life disappear when contemplating these vehicles for military use. Disadvantages such as refueling conventional gas stations are not a problem for an army, which not only can have its own supply network, but will operate in a standardized manner.

In the same way, the only residue that emits this type of mechanics, the water, is a well appreciated good in combat zones, therefore it acts like generator and storage of water.
The company did not disclose the technical aspects, only some important data. It has two engines, one on each axle, and steering on both axles. It has an autonomous driving system, of which the brand did not reveal many details, and in the provided images the sensors used in this type of system are not perceived. The autonomy with a full tank of hydrogen is around 640 kilometers.

No details regarding its launch were disclosed. SURUS will be presented at a military fair soon, and by all means, General Motors' intentions are to use this type of platform for other types of civilian vehicles, such as pickups. But for now GM has not confirmed anything about it.

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