Building the Ultimate Electric Apocalypse Vehicle

In a world overrun by zombies or gas shortages, the ultimate survival vehicle wouldn’t run on traditional fuel—it would be electric, harnessing energy from the sun and capable of off-road dominance. That’s exactly the vision behind The Whisper Project, where Jerry of JerryRigEverything is transforming a 1995 military Humvee into a fully electric beast. This ambitious project isn’t just about creating a functional EV; it’s about exploring the potential of combining old-school military engineering with cutting-edge electric technology.

Why an Electric Humvee?

Jerry’s choice of the Humvee—a high mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV)—might seem unconventional for an electric conversion. After all, it’s one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles on the planet, weighing a hefty 5,000 pounds. But that’s exactly the challenge Jerry wanted to tackle: turning this gas-guzzler into a green machine. Plus, with EV trucks like the Hummer EV slated to hit the market at over $100,000, building his own electric Humvee is not only a personal challenge but also a more affordable alternative.

The project involves using Tesla Model X battery modules and an electric motor salvaged from an airplane pushback tractor. This Frankenstein combination of parts will hopefully work together seamlessly to create an electric vehicle that outperforms the original diesel-powered Humvee.

The Humvee: A Tour of the Base Vehicle

The Humvee is a rugged military vehicle, designed for durability and versatility. Its aluminum construction keeps it lighter than expected, but it still retains an imposing presence. With its 19 inches of ground clearance, portal axles (which eliminate the need for a protruding differential), and water-fording capabilities, this vehicle is built to handle extreme conditions.

Unlike the civilian Hummer H1, which includes air conditioning and creature comforts, Jerry’s military Humvee is barebones—just metal interiors and functional dials. Inside, the vehicle has four seats and ample cargo space in the back, making it ideal for hauling gear in an apocalyptic scenario. One unique feature is the ability to access the engine and transmission from inside the vehicle, a design meant for field repairs.

The Electric Transformation: What’s Next?

Under the hood, the current diesel engine and associated components will be completely removed to make way for the electric motor and batteries. The electric motor, originally designed to push aircraft, is more than capable of handling the Humvee’s weight. Additionally, the Tesla battery modules will provide significantly more energy than the original diesel setup, ensuring better performance and efficiency.

The interior will also receive a tech upgrade. The analog dials from 1995 will be replaced with a digital display, bringing this military relic into the modern era. Jerry plans to maintain the vehicle’s rugged utility while introducing green energy and electric precision.

A Costly but Educational Project

Electric vehicles are still relatively new, and parts for a custom build like this aren’t cheap. However, Jerry sees this as an investment in education for himself and his audience. In 10 to 20 years, similar projects will likely become more affordable as EV technology becomes more widespread. For now, this ambitious build offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable off-road vehicles.

The Road Ahead

While the Humvee currently isn’t running (the existing motor is beyond repair), it has been safely moved into Jerry’s garage using—you guessed it—another electric motor. From here, it will undergo a complete transformation before emerging as a fully electric Humvee. This isn’t just a personal challenge; it’s a testament to the potential of EV conversions and a creative response to the limitations of traditional fuel-based vehicles.

Jerry’s enthusiasm for this project is palpable, and his commitment to making the Humvee greener and more efficient is inspiring. As he embarks on this journey, he invites viewers to follow along, learn about EV technology, and see what it takes to build a custom electric vehicle.

Follow the Journey

To see how this massive undertaking unfolds, check out the full playlist here, and Jerry’s channel, JerryRigEverything, on YouTube. You can also follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Don’t forget to subscribe and catch all the updates on The Whisper Project!