- The diesel engine appears to be charging only, with electric motors providing the thrust
- The formula balances the military's fuel infrastructure with reliable electric propulsion
- GM has previously dismissed truck hybrids but this year confirmed that PHEVs are coming
General Motors has transformed the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty truck into a battle-ready mess.
Unveiled this week at the annual meeting of the Association of the US Army (AUSA), the GM Next Gen tactical car prototype is based on the off-road oriented Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2. But instead of gasoline or diesel V-8 engines with conventional models, the Tactical truck includes a small 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-4 with a 12-module battery pack and electric motors to power the front and rear axles.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2
GM's detailed description of the project sounds similar to the plug-in hybrid system used in the late Chevrolet Volt, where the engine is used primarily as a generator for the electric motors that supply it. the majority of actual propulsion. In this case, they may give everything propulsion, which can make it a mixed series.
Assuming that the modules in this battery pack are the same modules in GM's large-format backpack that was previously called Ultium, this would provide the same 102-kwh battery capacity—enough to go over a hundred miles all-electric, even in bulk. armored military truck.
GM has ditched hybrids of any kind for the past few years, but earlier this year it revealed it would be bringing back plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The electrified powertrain offers several advantages, according to the company, including the ability to silently enter and exit dangerous areas, and a low thermal signature that makes the truck difficult to detect. The use of a diesel engine also complicates matters, as the truck can use existing military infrastructure if charging is not available, GM said.
GM Defense Next Gen tactical car prototype
The battery pack can also be used as a power source for equipment, and the truck retains many driver aids from regular models, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, and a 360-degree camera system. It is available with two, four and six seats.
GM has tried to repurpose some of its EV technology for military use. In 2021, the automaker announced plans to build prototypes of an all-electric military vehicle based on the GMC Hummer EV, and unveil a concept version in 2023. Earlier this year, GM also said it was supplying batteries to the military for research purposes, but mostly looking at energy storage rather than electric vehicles.