GM Defense shows the Next Gen tactical vehicle concept at the AUSA 2024 convention this week. This is an extended range diesel/electric vehicle (EREV). This truck is driven by two electric motors with energy from a 12-module battery. The truck is equipped with a GM 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that acts as a generator to replenish the battery and keep the truck moving. Here is everything we know so far. Let’s dig in!
The military has been using the new JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) by OshKosh as the proposed replacement for the Humvee that preceded it. However, the JLTV is 6.6L Duramax/Banks turbo-diesel V8 beast that is large and heavy. The military may need something a little smaller to supplement the JLTV.
We are not talking about the ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) that is currently built by GM Defense for the military. We are talking about a vehicle that is a bit bigger than the ISV that can be up-armored. This is where the new “Next Gen” tactical vehicle concept comes in.
It’s based on the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 off-road truck platform. This allows it to be armored, carry two, four, or six soldiers, and weapon systems or cargo. The HD ZR2 production pickup truck uses DSSV dampers by Multimatic, and this prototype appears to use the same.
According to DefenseNews.com – this Next Gen prototype has a combined electric power of 300 kW (or 402 horsepower). This is a combination of front and rear electric motors. It’s unclear whether the prototype is using an eAxle technology or electric motors with independent suspension. DefenseNews.com says the truck has a 15 gallon diesel tank to feed the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel I4 generator.
GM Defense says the prototype uses a 12-module EV battery. We do not know the battery capacity. If it uses the GM Ultium 800-volt architecture, this may mean it has close to 106 kWh of battery capacity (since the GMC Hummer EV has a 24-module 212 kWh battery pack).
The EREV (extended range electric vehicle hybrid) concept makes a lot of sense. It has an ability to drive extended distances. It has power export capability. It has an ability to drive in “silent” all-electric mode for an extended period of time. GM Defense says this truck concept can also allow for autonomous or unmanned travel.
Why use the older 2.8L Duramax I4 engine? This engine is already in use by the ISV vehicles, and it is compliant with JP8 military-grade fuels.
What do you think? Should General Motor put something similar into general production for all of us to buy? This GM EREV could compete against the Ram Ramcharger and the rumored Ford Super Duty EREV.
GM Defense has also explored all-electric military trucks and Hydrogen Fuel Cell electric trucks (such as the Chevy ZH2).
