Hybrid Could Fill Humvee’s Boots

Cutting fuel costs and reducing maintenance were the driving forces behind the decision to create hybrid vehicles, according to Hal Almand, the Army’s light tactical forms team leader.

The vehicle is powered by a small, three-cylinder diesel engine and two hybrid motors. It would cost about $20,000 to manufacture and could replace a $65,000 Humvee, Almand said. The vehicles are expected to get about 50 miles per gallon, compared to the Humvee’s current 11 mpg. “The more money we can save the better,” Almand said.