General Motors plans to create a prototype of a light reconnaissance military vehicle next year based on its Hummer electric pickup truck. According to CNBC, the company is modifying the frame, motors and batteries of the Hummer to meet the requirements of the military.
The US Army last fall began exploring the hybrid and electric vehicle market for the eLRV electric light reconnaissance vehicle program. The military wants her to weigh no more than 3,629 kilograms and be able to carry up to 1,814 kilograms, including six crew members with backpacks. They plan to transport the eLRV on CH-47 helicopters and C-130 transport planes. The range of the car must exceed 500 kilometers.
This spring, the army summed up the demonstration of potential electric light reconnaissance vehicles. Ten companies participated in it, including General Motors - with an electric version of its ISV army SUV. The military said they would prepare requirements for the construction of prototypes. But now the future of the eLRV program is in doubt due to lack of funding.
General Motors introduced the Hummer electric pickup truck last year. The car received an autopilot, "crab mode" and a collapsible panoramic roof. The power of the electric Hummer is more than a thousand horsepower, and on one charge it can travel more than 560 kilometers. It also has younger versions with two electric motors and reduced characteristics.
General Motors Defense President Steve Dumont announced in November that the company plans to create a prototype of a light reconnaissance military vehicle based on its electric Hummer. According to him, the American army welcomed this initiative. The military electric Hummer will receive a modified frame, motors and batteries. Assembly of prototypes of the machine should begin next year.
The US military is interested not only in ground-based electric vehicles, but also in aircraft. Earlier, we wrote about how they tested the Kitty Hawk electric tiltrotor during a medical evacuation exercise.
Vasilisa Chernyavtseva