The recently unveiled GM Defense E-ISV Concept is based on the GM Defense ISV model, which is supplied to the U.S. military. The major difference between the two is that the E-ISV makes use of the same 200-horsepower powertrain as the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV via the E-Crate powertrain that debuted at the SEMA Show in 2019, compared to the 2.8L LWN inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel Duramax engine.
In the E-ISV configuration, the motor is mounted up front and drives the rear wheels, however, the drivetrain can be switched to 4WD on the fly.
| Assembly location | Not yet in production |
| Layout | Front-Mounted Motor |
| Battery | |
| Drive | |
| Drive wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive with Four-Wheel Drive capability |
Mechanical Overview
Transportability
The E-ISV couples an EV powertrain with the wartime capability of the “regular” ISV. To that end, the ISV offers open-cockpit design that allows for easy egress and ingress, and can carry up to at least nine passengers as well as the ability to be carried inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter or slung-lifted by a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. Both the GM Defense E-ISV and ISV also have the ability to transport wounded soldiers on a stretcher.
While the front end, front cage (seating area), and wheelbase are identical to those on the standard ISV, there are a few key differences between the GM Defense All Electric Concept Vehicle architecture and that of the standard ISV. For instance, the electric concept features a bed that makes it roughly five inches longer than the regular ISV. The bed’s floor is made of the same material as the GMC CarbonPro box offered on the GMC Sierra pickup truck. Under that floor resides the battery pack, while the electric motor is placed at the front under the “hood.”
Powertrain
The ICE GM ISV is powered exclusively by the Duramax turbo-diesel 2.8L LWN I4 engine, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drivetrain configuration. By comparison, this electric variant utilizes the GM E-Crate powertrain derived from the Bolt EV. To clarify, this variant is currently just a concept.
Driving range can vary greatly, depending on how the vehicle is driven, though initial estimates put the concept’s anywhere between 70 and 150 miles on a single charge.
Suspension
As we mentioned, the GM Defense E-ISV and ISV are primarily based on the Chevy Colorado ZR2 off-road performance pickup truck. As such, the vehicles incorporate the MultiMatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers developed for the civilian-spec Colorado ZR2, however, the GM E-ISV and ISV’s DSSV dampers actually use a unique tune that’s specific to the military-spec vehicle, as GM Authority reported. According to Mark Dickens, the tuning differences for the GM ISV’s DSSV dampers stems from the military vehicle’s higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), given the GM ISV weighs more than a standard, unladen Chevy Colorado ZR2. The custom suspension tuning enables the GM ISV to have greater suspension travel.
Technology
It looks like the GM Defense E-ISV offers the same Live Gauges C127 product utilized by the ISV, which is a full-color, high-resolution (800×480) digital gauge with a screen measuring seven inches diagonally. Set inside a protected enclosure, the gauge cluster in question is supplied by MoTeC – a self-described “world leader in twenty-first century motorsport technology.” The ultra-bright, anti-reflective TFT LCD makes it easy to view in direct sunlight, while numerous configurable layouts are also present. The device also offers data logging to a USB drive, auxiliary controls and programmable LEDs all in one streamlined device.
GM Defense E-ISV Production
At this time, the E-ISV variant is currently just a concept. Following the completion of the design study, GM would need to earn a contract in order to produce the electrified military-grade vehicle.
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