AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — A powertrain supplier will take the wraps off an unusual electric vehicle later this month, the Hummer H3 ReEV. Mating electric-vehicle technology with a full-size SUV — especially one that has taken so many knocks from environmentalists as a notorious gas hog — is an intriguing bit of showmanship from the Motor City.
The vehicle will make its debut at the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit, which takes place April 20-24. The event is not open to the public and the Hummer H3 ReEV is not bound for production anytime soon. It is considered a "demonstrator" vehicle by the industry — one that showcases technology in an unexpected package.
"Our goal in exhibiting this particular vehicle is to demonstrate that electric-vehicle technology is a viable solution for a variety of vehicle platforms," said Gary Rogers, president of auto supplier FEV, which developed the vehicle along with Raser Technologies. "Needs of consumers will continue to vary, and the Hummer range-extended electric vehicle shows that fuel economy does not necessarily mean sacrificing power and utility."
The vehicle is said to have a 40-plus-mile all-electric range and 100-plus mpg fuel economy. It is equipped with a 268-horsepower traction motor mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, along with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Its creators say they envision the Hummer H3 ReEV serving as a "utility company service truck or emergency service vehicle."
Inside Line says: Those wacky engineers have a field day creating an electric Hummer, but don't expect to see this one in your driveway. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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