We've already seen the new Obamamobile - a purpose built Cadillac limousine that is essentially a tank with chrome - but another vehicle of interest wheeled out for the first time in public at President Barack Obama's inauguration parade was a new NASA Lunar Rover.

Dubbed the Lunar Electric Rover (LER for short), the two-man vehicle is thought to be ready for NASA's next expedition to the moon.

As indicated by the name, the LER is all-electric. High-power lithium-ion batteries are used to power all functions.

The LER is designed to run in tandem with another vehicle of the same type to increase its exploration range and provide redundancy. It features a docking hatch for such purposes, which also allows it to interface safely with specially designed buildings and 'ascent modules'.

Astronauts don't need their space suits while inside the LER, as it's a pressurised environment. A 'Suitport' on the back of the cabin allows the astronauts to exit the vehicle and get into their suits in less than ten minutes.

Once outside the LER, the astronauts may control it by remote control and a high degree of manoeuvrability has been built into the vehicle thanks to six pairs of wheels that can independently rotate 360-degrees. This allows the LER to move in any direction.

For now, NASA states that the LER is undergoing testing, but it's likely that a similar vehicle would be used if the state-owned agency commits to a new moon-bound expedition.