Plug-in Hummer

That's a Hummer I would be interested in, but Mattracks are just neat on anything.

Making them a plugin for their mission was a waste though.

 

Reportedly, a Mattrack 1995 Hummer H1 diesel gets 13 mpg city/ 14 mpg highway. The extra weight from the Plug in conversion will likely lower the diesel efficiency to about 10 mpg but it will gain about 1 mile/ kwh charge ( I think the 32 mile estimated range would shorten the li-ion battery lifespan significantly in cold weather, an max 18-20 mile electric range would extend the lifespan- without an advance battery management system like the Prius - it will be up to the driver to avoid draining the battery pack completely and shortening the battery pack's lifespan).. If this plugin Hummer carries its own 3 kwh PV array to recharge the Li-ion battery packs AND if the South Pole expedition is timed correctly there will be sunlight 24 hours/day (this double the effective output of electricity of the PV panels) - this should raised their vehicle's eMPG much higher.


Mattrack Hummer Video

1995 Hummer H1 with Mattrack
1995 Hummer H1 Wagon 4x4 with Mattracks (2015-04-21-15DK412)

 

Source: Exhuming the Glacier Girl • Damn Interesting

I just hope the 'powers that be' require a 'vehicle recovery' deposit.

Bob Wilson

 

Thanks Heaven there is only one of this "concoctions" in the face of the Earth.

 

Well, a Prius won't be navigating snow covered tundra anytime soon.

 

From what I have been reading a snow tundra Mattrack modification can be done on any car - including a Prius. .I'm not sure what the Prius' mpg would be with a Mattrack mod - but my guess is that a Mattrack would lower the Prius' sustainable top speed. A Mattrack modification is listed as costing almost $80,000 - so it is a very expensive after market mod - not to mention - it is likely to void your warranty. Watching the Mattrack Hummer reminds me of those videos of "Big Foot" (giant tire) funny cars.

 

You need 4WD for Mattracks.

 

hyhi & Lexus RX both can be had in their AWD versions

.

 

It might need to be full time or symmetrical.
Either way, Toyota says they aren't intended for off road use.

 

We've got a bunch of these mattrack kitted vehicles around here. They are the "repair vehicles" of the ski resorts. Funny to see a truck climb the side of the mountain to get to a repair.

I worked on a Plug-In Hummer almost 4 years ago now. It was meant as an everyday hybrid conversion. Pretty cool. I am not sure if that company still exists. But we did go to SEMA for it.