Hummer EV Technology Heads to the Moon with NASA’s Eagle Lunar Terrain Vehicle
Imagine what it would be like to drive a GMC Hummer EV on the Moon. The idea sparks instant excitement: a thousand horsepower at your fingertips, an estimated 367 miles of range on a full charge, and the ability to slide sideways using Crab Walk mode while tackling boulders and craters with ease. Now add in the reduced gravity — just one-sixth of what we experience on Earth — and you can picture the thrill of bouncing across the lunar surface in one of the most powerful electric trucks ever made.
Of course, reality quickly sets in. There are no dealerships or service centers on the Moon, no fast-charging stations, and the Hummer EV is not designed to withstand the hostile lunar environment, where extreme temperature swings and a near-total lack of atmosphere would quickly overwhelm an Earth-built machine. But what if the Hummer’s advanced off-road technology could be adapted for the Moon?
That is exactly what General Motors and its partners are working on. As NASA prepares for its first crewed missions to the lunar surface in more than 50 years under the Artemis program, the space agency has tapped three teams to develop concepts for the next-generation Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). One of those teams, led by Colorado-based Lunar Outpost, is collaborating with GM to design and build what they call the Eagle Lunar Terrain Vehicle.
Hummer DNA on the Moon
The Eagle LTV is deeply influenced by GM’s experience creating rugged off-road machines like the Hummer EV. GM brings not only design expertise but also a leadership position in electric vehicle battery technology. The company is applying its cutting-edge lithium-ion NCMA (nickel cobalt manganese aluminum) battery chemistry, used in the Hummer EV and other GM electric models, to power the Eagle.
These NCMA batteries are prized for their high energy density, long life, and ability to perform in extreme temperature conditions. Those qualities, vital on Earth, are even more critical on the Moon. The Eagle is expected to have a service life of 10 years and travel up to 30,000 kilometers — a dramatic leap from the Apollo-era lunar rovers, which collectively traveled less than 40 kilometers.
To showcase this surprising connection between Earth’s toughest EV and a vehicle built for space, GM and Lunar Outpost plan to display the Eagle LTV prototype alongside a Hummer EV at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, running September 26 through October 19. Visitors will be able to see firsthand how the Moon-bound rover inherits features from its Earthly cousin.
Shared Features and Advanced Mobility
Matt Nassoiy, GM’s program engineering manager for the lunar project, describes the relationship clearly: “The GMC Hummer is a super truck, and this is a super truck for the Moon. It has many of the same capabilities, just adapted for a much harsher environment.”
Take mobility, for example. The Hummer EV’s famous Crab Walk is made possible by its three-motor setup, which allows all wheels to turn in the same direction and move laterally. The Eagle LTV goes one step further, with four independent motors — one at each wheel — giving it unmatched agility on the unpredictable lunar terrain.
Since there are no paved roads on the Moon, traction and stability are critical. Lunar regolith, a loose mix of dust, rock, and pebbles, can easily trap vehicles. GM and Lunar Outpost are incorporating systems borrowed from the Hummer, including torque vectoring, traction control, and anti-lock braking. These ensure that each wheel responds independently for maximum stability.
Testing in Earth Conditions
Testing a lunar vehicle is not straightforward. To simulate conditions like one-sixth gravity, GM engineers use advanced driver-in-the-loop simulators, the same tools employed during the development of the Hummer EV. The simulators replicate lunar terrain and driving dynamics on wraparound screens, allowing astronauts and engineers to train and troubleshoot before the vehicle ever reaches the Moon.
Dave Robinson, another GM engineer on the project, emphasizes why simulation is essential: “Driving 30 miles per hour on the Moon feels like 90 on Earth. Stability is critical. If the vehicle tips, that’s game over.” Engineers are therefore fine-tuning suspension and center-of-gravity designs to ensure safety and reliability in the toughest conditions imaginable.
Designed for Astronauts and Autonomy
The Eagle is not just built for astronauts to drive; it is also designed to operate autonomously for most of its decade-long mission. While astronauts will occasionally pilot it during surface expeditions, the vehicle will largely conduct its own science missions, mapping the lunar surface and gathering data using a suite of advanced sensors including LiDAR, radar, and high-resolution cameras.
Ease of use is also a top priority. Astronauts will have countless tasks during missions, and driving is not their primary focus. As Robinson notes, “We try to keep the cognitive load as low as possible. It has to be simple to operate, and it has to remain stable.”
Exploring Extreme Environments
NASA’s Artemis missions will target the lunar south pole, a region never explored by humans. This area includes permanently shadowed craters, some as deep as 2.6 miles, where temperatures can plunge to –382°F, colder than Pluto. These dark regions may harbor frozen water, a resource critical for sustaining long-term human presence and even producing rocket fuel. At the same time, nearby areas bask in nearly continuous sunlight, offering potential for solar power generation.
The Eagle LTV will need to withstand both extremes, traveling from sunlit plains into freezing shadow to help unlock the Moon’s secrets. Its robust design, inspired in part by the Hummer EV, could make it one of the most versatile exploration vehicles ever created.
A New Chapter in Lunar Exploration
When Apollo 11 astronauts left their plaque on the Moon in 1969, it declared: “We came in peace for all mankind.” More than half a century later, humanity is preparing to return — this time with advanced tools, greater ambitions, and vehicles designed for longevity and science.
Thanks to GM and Lunar Outpost, the next time astronauts step onto the lunar surface, they won’t just be walking — they’ll be driving a machine that owes much of its DNA to an Earthly EV super truck. Before long, the Hummer’s spirit of adventure may be conquering not just Moab or the Rockies, but the rugged landscapes of the Moon itself.
