IMI developing electric Hummer

Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) is developing an electric version of the Hummer all-terrain vehicle. IMI's Slavin plant, which also develops and upgrades armored vehicles and tanks.

The Israeli electric Hummer uses a powerful battery-operated electric motor combined with a diesel engine, which functions as a generator and recharger for the batteries when necessary. The combination extends the effective operating range of the Hummer from a few dozen kilometers on electric power to more than 450 kilometers, with a single tank of diesel fuel.

The electric Hummer is especially effective for military missions that require silence. The vehicle is also low-maintenance, has high survivability, clean emissions, and high performance. It is supposed to reach speeds of over 120 km/h and has rapid acceleration. Use of a generator for self-recharging is aimed at providing independent mobility without the need for a special recharging infrastructure.

IMI believes that the electric Hummer project has the potential for upgrading 200,000 military Hummers that are nearing the end of their operational lives worldwide. It was recently reported that the IDF was considering the procurement of electric and hybrid vehicles of various kinds. The US Army is also running a long-term tender for the development and delivery of various electric and hybrid vehicles designed for the battlefield of the future.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 6, 2009

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