Back in July of 2020, GM Authority exclusively reported that the GMC Hummer EV could spawn a new all-electric Humvee successor. Now, new details on that vehicle are coming to light.
According to a recent report from CNBC, GM Defense is exploring the possibility of developing a new eLRV, or electric Light Reconnaissance Vehicle, based on the GMC Hummer EV. Similar to the Chevy Colorado-based GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), the new GMC Hummer EV-based eLRV would incorporate some off-the-shelf components, but would look quite different from the civilian vehicle, with a modifications to the frame, motors, and Ultium battery technology.
“The Army’s very excited about the fact that we’re investing in this,” said GM Defense President Steve duMont in a recent interview with CNBC. “The eLRV, that’s the first purpose built from the ground up, you saw it today, it’s our Hummer EV. Our Hummer EV is what we’re going to base that vehicle on.”
General Motors was recently paid a visit from Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, who expressed interest in GM Defense’s research and development plans with regard to new electric vehicles designed for military purposes.
Similar to the all-electric GM ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) and gun carrier ISV, the new Hummer EV-based eLRV would be self-funded for testing, rather than funded through a government contract. GM Defense will start prototyping for the new eLRV next year, per GM Defense vice president of product development and advanced engineering Rick Kewley.
At this point, it’s uncertain if the new Hummer EV-based eLRV will get the green light. However, it’s reported that several other companies are already testing the waters to offer the U.S. Army new all-electric vehicles for defense purposes.
As a reminder, the GMC Hummer EV is based on the GM BT1 platform, and draws motivation from the GM Ultium Battery and GM Ultium Drive technologies. Output ranges from 625 horsepower to 1,000 horsepower depending on the powertrain selected, with up to three motors offered. Production is slated to ramp up at the GM Factory Zero plant (previously known as GM Detroit-Hamtramck) in Michigan with the initial units shipping out later next year.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Hummer news, GMC news, GM Defense news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
This is why the Chinese and Russian governments will win any future conflicts. These goverments are smart enough to keep their military all fuel powered. Good on them, bad for us.
The military has thousands of non combat vehicles, perhaps this concept will fill one of those rolls.
It depends on the application. You won’t see an EV tank, plane, or ship soon, but diesel-electric submarines are feared for their near-silent operation. A recon vehicle can greatly benefit from quiet operation and good torque that EVs offer, especially in enemy territory. They can also deploy special electronics and sensors that rely on a very large battery. Governments around the world are experimenting with futuristic weapons, including railguns, lasers, and drone warfare. The common theme is they all require large amounts of electricity. It makes sense that EVs are being tested.
Near silent? Why would those replace the nuclear submarines? Which are better by the way I would like to add.
It’s all classified, but yes, sources indicate modern diesel-electrics are quieter than nuclear. They’re also cheaper and easier to build. The Swedish Gotland-class submarine proved itself in wargames when it successfully stalked and “sunk” US carriers in part due to its silent design and Stirling engine air-independent propulsion that enabled it to stay underwater for weeks. Sometimes electric makes sense for countries. This is one of those circumstances.
Yea that’s a straight up lie but ok.
Why do people immediately accuse others of “lying” when a simple Internet search can demonstrate what is truthful?
“AIP technology has improved significantly the stealth performance of a new generation of submarines at a fraction of the cost of a nuclear-powered boat. When operating on batteries, AIP-equipped submarines are almost silent, with the only noise coming from the shaft bearings, propeller, and flow around the hull.10 Nuclear submarines require large reduction gears and a robust cooling system to maintain safe operation of the reactor. Noisy pumps circulate cooling water around the reactor core at all times, then pump the same cooling water back into the ocean, leaving nuclear submarines with a much larger infrared heat signature.”
“In addition, improvements in battery technology have extended the range of AIP diesel submarines. With electro-catalytic fuel cells and the high energy density of Lithium-ion batteries, AIP submarines can operate at a patrol-quiet state or rest on the seabed for several weeks without surfacing. German Type 212 submarines can stay underwater without snorkeling for up to three weeks, traveling 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) or more. Furthermore, over the past two decades, the industrial sector has achieved substantial increases in diesel engine efficiency, which could be applied to AIP submarines to further increase range and endurance. The ability of AIP was demonstrated in 2005, when HMS Gotland, a Swedish AIP submarine, “sank” many U.S. nuclear fast-attack subs, destroyers, frigates, cruisers, and even the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) aircraft carrier in joint exercises.11”
~ US Naval Institute – There’s a Case for Diesels
The seawolf and Virginia class submarine would say otherwise. But a simple internet search could of told you this.
The Seawolf-class and Virginia-class say otherwise? What does that even mean? You have yet to make a point but somehow think throwing out submarine names makes one. You’re really bad at this.
^^Exactly! What a joke!
They’ll probably have quick swap battery packs with a truck behind it filled with battery packs. That truck will be powered by hydrogen. Behind that truck will be a truck carrying hydrogen to fill that truck. That truck will be powered by a little girl and a string as the truck floats in the sky.
I think this partly answers my prior question why GM is getting so much attention from the government. They are heavily invested in new military designs.
I wouldn’t give GM any US Intelligence info with all they have going on in China!
Lmao develop away gm doesn’t mean the military will ever use it. Look how many programs compete and don’t get the contract my brother serves in the army and I can almost guarantee you this will never make it to the field unless the corrupt politicians are making money off it.
The batteries should perform very well in desert climates, as well as North Korean, Chinese and Russian winters.
At best, this GM POS is ideal for behind-the-lines MWR (morale, welfare and recreation) use, and that’s about it.
ww3 will be carbon neutral !!! awesome!!!!