Electric Hummer

Raser Technologies, an environmental energy technology company based in Provo, Utah, has unveiled a hybrid Hummer H3 powered by batteries and a two-litre internal combustion engine.

The vehicle was developed in association with the Plug-in Hybrid Development Consortium: an organisation co-founded by Raser and electric utilities, lithium-ion-battery companies and other automotive technology companies.

The vehicle has performed well in initial test drives and in dynamometer testing conducted by FEV, Raser's development partner on the project.

The plug-in electric Hummer H3 has a range of about 400 miles, driving its first 40 miles exclusively on batteries before turning on its combustion engine.

Raser’s E-REV power train was designed for most full-sized 4WD SUVs and light trucks, which represent nearly half of the vehicles on US roads today.

'We chose the Hummer H3 and H3T as demonstration vehicles because trucks and SUVs are the best-selling vehicles in America and can benefit the most from increased fuel economy and reduced emissions,' said Brent Cook, Raser's chief executive officer.

The electric Hummer H3 is propelled entirely on electricity by Raser’s 200kW AC induction motor connected to a 4WD transmission.

The engine uses Raser’s 100kW electric generator to recharge the batteries while driving and provides additional electric power when needed.