5 Vehicles That Can Handle An EMP Attack

Ryan Harden

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The energy that heats your food in a microwave, the data sent to your smart phone and the music you listen to on a terrestrial radio – these are all forms of electromagnetic energy. What makes the EMP unique is that this electromagnetic energy is sent in large amounts over a very short period of time.

The EMP attack is portrayed as sending modern society back to medieval times. Whether this is true or not is subject to much debate. One often discussed topic is whether a typical vehicle could survive an EMP and if so, what vehicle would have the best chance of doing so.
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Conventional wisdom is that the older the vehicle, the more likely it can survive an EMP strike. This may be true in theory, but may not always be true in practice. One reason for this is that modern vehicles have some shielding against unwanted electromagnetic energy interference. For example, car engineers understand that you wouldn’t want a TV, radio, walkie-talkie, Wi-Fi or other wireless signal to interfere with your vehicle’s onboard computers.

But there are many other variables that will determine if a given vehicle will survive an EMP attack and to what extent it would survive it. The only way to know for sure is to actually test the vehicle. But even with extensive testing, you wouldn’t necessary have a perfect list of EMP-proof vehicles.

Therefore, the following list provides a good starting point as to what vehicles stand the best chance of surviving an EMP strike in drivable condition and are also affordable for the average person.

Ford F100 & F250 Range of Pick-Up Trucks
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These iconic trucks are available in a wide range of models and variants. Choose a model before 1979. There are thousands of these old work-horses rusting away in backyards and barns, so scavenging for parts will be an option in the long run.

These iconic trucks are available in a wide range of models and variants. Choose a model before 1979. You should have no trouble finding a diesel.

There are thousands of these old work-horses rusting away in backyards and barns, so scavenging for parts will be an option in the long run.

If you need some extra space, get a crew-cab or double-cab model so you can transport people along with goods. Putting a camper shell on the back will instantly turn this into a home away from home.

Jeep CJ 5, Landrover Defender 90, and Landcruiser FJ 40
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The Jeep CJ 5 and Toyota FJ 40 are both based on the design of the legendary Willy’s Jeep. If you live in a mountainous area and want a top-rated climber, this is your best option. They have a short wheelbase and handle superbly in tight conditions.

The Landrover Defender 90 came onto the market in 1983. Before that, they were only known as the Landrover 90. Once again, opt for the older models.

Diesel models shouldn’t be hard to come by, but the Landrovers were not as popular in the US as elsewhere in the world, so they are somewhat of a rarity.

Fitted with a hard shell and electric winch, you could cut over almost any terrain and would not need to follow roads to get to your destination. But be ready for a bumpy ride.

Chevrolet K30 (D30) CUCV
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This is my favorite. Also known as the Chevrolet Military Truck. The 1970’s models were issues with some big and powerful diesel engines.

These are ultra-reliable vehicles and have been manufactured for military forces the world over.

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with one of these. They are, however, not small and nimble, and are decidedly heavy on fuel compared to some other models.

General Motors have been manufacturing these for the military and there are many in service, particularly amongst the European Forces.

By the time you are ready to kit one of these out for SHTF-EMP readiness, your journey to prepping-level "Black-Belt", is complete.

HMMWV
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Ex-military vehicles have a lot going for them. They can often be picked up cheap and they’re generally at least partly hardened against EMP. The famous US military HMMWV is a good example. It’s powerful and incredibly robust.

Low mileage ex-Army ones can be picked up for as little as $5,000 from surplus dealers.

The M998 model is basically a dual-cab pickup with a large load bed; there’s a military issue metal hard top available for it as well, which reduces load space but improves weather protection and security.

The HMMWV is very good at fording rivers and crossing rough ground – it’s not as agile as a Land Rover, but has plenty of power. Civilian Hummer models are nowhere near as simple or robust as military ones and should be avoided.

1972 Volkswagen Beetle
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The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognizable vehicles ever manufactured; in fact, it is the best-selling vehicle in history. It’s also another iconic vehicle that’s noted in pop culture (The Love Bug comes to mind).

Starting around 1975, the VW Beetles were made with the Bosch fuel injected engines, which added extra electronics to the vehicle.

While this addition is not very advanced by today’s standards, it adds a weak link to the VW Beetle’s EMP resistance. Therefore, most VW Beetles from the early 1970s or older would serve as the most ideal versions for surviving an EMP strike.

If a truck or SUV isn’t your thing, the VW Beetle is definitely a vehicle you should look into getting.
Other Things to Consider
This article lists only a handful of vehicles that are likely to survive an EMP. Basically, any vehicle from the 1960s or earlier will probably survive an EMP event in drivable, if not perfect condition.

However, they’re unlikely to be the most affordable or practical. Obviously, an even older vehicle, such as one that’s steam or animal-powered would have the absolute best chance of surviving the EMP, but they wouldn’t be practical to operate (for most people) and are quite expensive to purchase and maintain.

Even if you find a great vehicle for surviving an EMP, don’t forget other practical considerations, such as parts availability, ease of maintenance and repair, performance, inconspicuousness and fuel availability (gasoline versus diesel).

From - No Grid Survival Projects https://nogridprojects.com/
 
Finding any of these running is harder than it used to be with used car supplies low.

Up side is humvees will be getting more avalible as they get cycyled out for the JLTV as the main utility vehicles
 
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