HUMMER on Hydrogen

By Ron Cogan


It was only a matter of time until GM introduced a hydrogen powered HUMMER concept, and that time has arrived. The General’s HUMMER H2H SUT (sport utility truck) shown here is a one-of-a-kind experimental hydrogen vehicle, a great concept pointing the way to a greener future, but one with no production plans to bring us there.

That may seem an odd call considering the very cool nature of this vehicle. But GM is clearly focused on hydrogen fuel cell technology, as evidenced by its work on the GM HydroGen3 and Hy-Wire fuel cell vehicles that have been shown previously in this magazine.



The automaker’s position is that fuel cells are cleaner and more efficient than internal combustion engines and it is moving rapidly toward proving the commercial viability of fuel cell technology. Still, GM says the H2H is a valuable tool that will provide it an opportunity to learn more about hydrogen storage, delivery systems, and refueling infrastructure development as it moves forward toward hydrogen vehicles.

Powered by a supercharged 6.0-liter Vortec V-8 modified to run on gaseous hydrogen, the HUMMER H2H is the result of a coordinated effort by GM engineers in the U.S., Canada, and Germany. GM fuel cell partner Quantum Technologies, a Southern California vehicle integrator focused on gaseous fuel technologies, also worked on the project.

Significant changes have been made to allow this HUMMER to run on hydrogen. These include the use of specially designed fuel injectors that provide for more conservative fuel delivery, a nod to hydrogen’s unique combustion dynamics. GM engineers added a supercharger to help compensate for the substantial reduction in engine power that comes with running on hydrogen, a move that enables the H2H Vortec 6000 engine to offer 180 horsepower. That’s a respectable power output but still substantially short of the 325 horsepower of the standard, normally aspirated gasoline H2 variant.

Gaseous hydrogen is carried in a 5,000 psi compressed hydrogen fuel system that’s comprised of three carbon fiber cylinders, one in the cargo bed of the H2H and two underbody cylinders located in the standard gasoline tank location. Two refueling connectors are found in the traditional fuel-fill area, with a third on the rear bumper. The 12 pounds of hydrogen carried on-board provide an estimated 60 mile driving range.




Distinguishing the H2H variant is special Laser Blue paint with “Hydrogen” and “California Hydrogen Highway” graphics, along with an H2H emblem at the rear. The SUT body style features a slant-back design with a composite tonneau that emulates the look of the military HUMVEE. Other modifications include a chrome grille guard and an integrated topside rack and light bar.

Okay, so we won’t see these hydrogen HUMMERs plying our highways in any kind of numbers in the near future, if ever. But it is a great exercise in form and function that shows us what’s possible. After all, if you can make a HUMMER “green,” then think of the possibilities in store for mainstream pickups, minivans, and SUVs just down the road.