Did the US Army Just Buy a GMC Hummer EV?
What could the US Army want with a GMC Hummer EV? This electric truck doesn’t seem like it would make sense in a combat situation, especially if charging capabilities are scarce. Even so, the US Army purchased an Edition 1 version of the Hummer for evaluation. Could this be the Hummer to replace the Humvee? Maybe.
What does the Army want with a GMC Hummer EV?
Motor 1 informs us the Army purchased this new GMC truck to put it through a battery of tests. These tests will help determine whether or not this electric vehicle can perform on a military operational mission. The United States military is researching ways to effectively develop, deploy, and support future electric light reconnaissance vehicles (eLRV) for various missions.
Will the Army’s Hummer have any special equipment?
No, the Army receives the same Edition 1 model of the GMC Hummer EV as the models consumers can purchase. This particular vehicle has caught the attention of the military and will be studied. Upgrades and military-necessary improvements could be requested if the Army chooses to use this vehicle as an eLRV.
What does the Edition 1 Hummer EV include?
The Edition 1 model is the top version of this GMC truck, and it offers:
- Independent front and rear suspension systems
- Front e-Locker
- Rear virtual locker
- Heavy-duty ball-spline half-shafts
- Standard 18-inch wheels with 35-inch OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
- Underbody armor
- UltraVision camera system
- Crab Walk Mode
- Extract Mode
- Watts to Freedom
- Infinity Roof
What is the power and range of the Hummer EV?
This electric pickup truck is good for 1,000 horsepower, and it offers an estimated driving range of 329 miles on a single charge. Using a DC fast charging system, 100 miles of range can be added when this GMC truck is plugged in for ten minutes.
Why would the Army be interested in this GMC truck?
The Hummer EV is pretty much full circle for this vehicle. The gas-guzzling Hummer brand of old was borne out of admiration for the military’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, also known as the Humvee. Many in the military call these vehicles Hummers.
The military’s Humvee fleet, while serviceable, is ancient. These vehicles entered service in 1984 and have been maintained and kept running ever since. It’s time for a new version of the Humvee to take its place, and the GMC Hummer EV could be the right choice.
GM has partnered with the US Army on other vehicle projects in the past, which made the selection of a Hummer EV a no-brainer for both parties.
When will the US Army receive their Edition 1 Hummer?
The GMC electric truck ordered will be delivered to the Army Ground Mobility Vehicles command by the end of August. From there, it will undergo the testing required to see if this electric truck measures up to the rigors of military needs.
Next, check out this tiny truck showdown between the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, or watch the GMC Hummer EV video below:
