WASHINGTON, D.C. – Automotive fuel-cell technology may soon help the U.S. military reduce their dependence on petroleum-based fuels, reports the American Forces Press Service. Government agencies are working to adapt hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered vehicles (FCVs). For the past year, the Army has been testing a prototype hydrogen-fuel-cell system installed within a conventional truck platform. According to a mechanical engineer at the Army’s National Automotive Center (NAC) — part of the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) at Warren, Mich. — the application is geared toward nontactical vehicle usage. The prototype is based on a Chevrolet Silverado, according to the report. The truck’s original engine, transmission, and gas tank were removed and replaced with two hydrogen fuel cells and two electric motors — one motor drives the front wheels and the other drives the rear wheels.