Meet U.S. Navy´s awesome new SMV (made in China): Keeps "our fleet ready"

"In a rather practical design feature, each of this electric maintenance vehicles is also equipped with a roof-mounted solar panel"
(image by US Navy)

Meet the U.S. Navy´s awesome new weapon, the SMV (SlowMoving Vehicle) made in China (chassis)! 

With a range of 40 miles and maximum speed of 25 mph the SMV is according to U.S. Navy Captain John Coronado "perfect for commuting in and around JBPHH, transporting people, tools, and supplies to keep our fleet ready”: 

PEARL HARBOR – Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s (JBPHH) installation transportation manager, officially added 36 electric SlowMoving Vehicles (SMVs) to its inventory July 30.

“These SMVs offer a safer and smarter alternative to the smaller, outdated neighborhood electric vehicles that have been in use for the past 10 years,” said Capt. John Coronado, NAVFAC Hawaii commanding officer. “A range of 40 miles and maximum speed of 25 mph make them perfect forcommuting in and around JBPHH, transporting people, tools, and supplies to keep our fleet ready.”  

The models, manufactured by Vantage Vehicle International, Inc., include two- and four-passenger trucks and cargo vans and have virtually the same capability as full-size automobiles. They also have hard doors, windshield wipers, air conditioning/heat, radio, and instrument gauges, which other SMVs do not. Vantage SMVs use conventional 110-volt charging cables; however, each one is also equipped with a roof-mounted solar panel to reduce time and resources at the charging station, while extending battery life and usage.

Distribution of the new vehicles will first be to commands that already have SMVs and power stations in place. NAVFAC Hawaii plans to purchase more vehicles in the future to keep up with the President’s fossil fuel reduction mandate. 

Read the entire US Navy press release here

We are all waiting for the next step. Maybe a solar powered aircraft carrier?

PS
Capt. Coronado forgot to mention perhaps the most useful feature of the new SMV:  It is ideal for noiseless transportation to and from the Hickam Officers’ Club, particularly at very late/early hours.