Yes, one of my favorite subjects to talk about is the Vision Tyrano truck (which I had the pleasure of checking out in person recently), because it is in class of its own, literally. The Tyrano is a heavy duty class 8 truck weighing 80,000 lbs that runs on compressed hydrogen gas and hybrid electric energy.
The Vision Tyrano has 3,300 lbs.-ft. of torque available and a range of around 200 miles which can be extended to 400 miles over an 8 hour shift. The Tyrano is quiet, uses zero fossil fuels and gives off zero emissions.
This is why the U. S. military is interested in such a vehicle. Vision Industries has just signed an agreement to have Burtek Incorporated represent them in the U. S. defense marketplace.
According to Dr. James I. Finley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Burtek, “Consider the fact that a full 80 percent of all United States Marine Corps fatalities occur in convoys; 40 percent of which are primarily involved in the transport of both water and fossil fuels. Reducing or eliminating the need to transport fossil fuels and water further entrenches the value of the hydrogen-fuel solution in saving American lives.”
Now, it’s obvious to me on how the Tyrano will help reduce the hauling of fossil fuels in military situations, but I’m not sure how the truck will help reduce the need for water. Will water not still be needed for the troops to drink and for the creation of hydrogen?
Be that as it may, the U. S. military is known for testing leading edge transportation technology. And whether it is being used in active duty or not, the Tyrano truck stands a good chance of being part of the Defense Department’s lineup of heavy vehicles for years to come.