The world's first drivable fuel cell truck has been demonstrated in New York State, prior to its lease to the US army.

The truck is powered by two hydrogen fuel cell stacks and can travel 125 miles. It can carry up to 1,600 pounds, accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 19 seconds and has a top speed of 93 mph.

But the fuel cell model has a particular advantage for use in army situations: its lack of noise as well as emissions.

"Noise on the battlefield is not a good thing when you don't want to be found," explained Brig. Gen. Roger Nadeau, commander of the army research, development and engineering command.

General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado crew-cab truck will be leased to the defence department for non-combat uses in Virginia and California and tested in various climates and terrain around the country until July 2006.

Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM's vice president for environment and energy, said that the company was committed to developing low emission technologies.

"Our partnership with the US Army will familiarize the military with the next-generation of commercially-developed fuel cell technology, will help us drive down costs, create potential for future joint development of fuel cells and promote the development of a hydrogen infrastructure," she said.

The US is currently undergoing a five-year, $1.7 billion research programme to develop hydrogen as an energy source.