Sometimes Uncle Sam wants you, but other times he wants a truck. The GMC Hummer EV just got called up for duty. The United States Army purchased a 2022 GMC Hummer EV model for military testing, and it’s an electrified star-spangled troop. 

The 2022 GMC Hummer EV joins the Army 

ATTEN HUT, welcome the 2022 GMC Hummer EV to the squad. According to AutoBlog, the military has been analyzing alternative powertrain options for a few years now. They have been working with General Motors in this field for about seven years. 

Back in 2016. The US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center and GM developed a Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 model with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. But it was too heavy. 

Then the Army decided to open a bid for an electric Light Roconissance Vehicle (eLRV). This resulted in purchasing a Canoo EV and a GMC Hummer EV for testing. 

How will the Hummer EV help the military? 

The Army is searching for an electric vehicle that can meet specific needs, and the 2022 GMC Hummer EV could meet each requirement. 

The previous LRV program was canceled in 2016, which was supposed to replace the Scout HMWWV or purpose-built models of the old Hummer. 

Reportedly, the military needs a rig that can transport six soldiers with up to 2,100 lbs of payload. It can’t exceed 11,669 lbs, so it can be internally carried or sling loaded by a CH–47 Chinook helicopter. The Hummer EV weighs about 9,063 lbs. 

It must also be capable of mounting a weapon such as a 30mm cannon which can accurately engage targets at a range of at least 1,000 meters. 

Electrifying the non-tactical fleet helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. But they also need something a little more incense for just shuttling troops around. 

They want to enhance mobility, lethality, protection, protection mission load capacity, and provide onboard power. This could help six soldiers conduct mounted and dismounted reconnaissance and surveillance missions for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. 

What can the Hummer EV do? 

The 2022 GMC Hummer EV would be made a bit differently for the military. They could use the same platform with different panels to run power-hungry high-tech systems such as sensors and lasers without needing a bulky auxiliary power unit. 

Currently, the Hummer EV is only available with a sole powertrain setup that’s paired with three electric motors. It cranks out 1,000 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds, but the brakes feel a little soft. 

The Hummer EV can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,300 lbs. It has an estimated range of about 329 miles on a single charge and comes with standard all-wheel drive. YOu can use a DC fast charging station to replenish about 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. 

For now, you could same that the electric Hummer is in boot camp. It’s being tested by the Army and could meet various needs. However, the Canoo truck is also in the mix. Stay tuned for updates about how these electric trucks perform.