Electrical Hummer returns to its navy roots

General Motors Defense has debuted a military vehicle concept that uses the GMC Hummer EV as a base.

The Electric Military Concept Vehicle (eMCV) was revealed at the Marine Military Expo in Washington D.C.

GM Defense develops vehicles for use by the military in the United States. It debuted its first all-electric concept in 2021, derived from the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

This new concept is based on the GMC Hummer EV – which is ironic because once upon a time the road-going Hummer was based on a military Humvee.

According to Breaking Defense, the eMCV uses the Hummer EV’s chassis and suspension system.

GM Defense has added 37-inch tyres, a new heavy-duty brake system and Fox performance shock absorbers, while also improving approach and departure angles for superior off-road performance.

The vehicle also features a 46-inch gun ring, swing side-arm mounts, as well as a 12kW diesel-powered generator which can be used to recharge the batteries.

It’s powered by a 24-module, double-stacked (200+ kWh) Ultium battery pack, and produces 745kW of power (or an even 1000hp) and a whopping 11,500 lb-ft of torque (15,591Nm of torque) from a tri-motor powertrain.

There are two motors and an electronically locking differential at the rear, and a single motor and locking diff up front.

According to GM Defense the vehicle has a claimed 300 miles (529km) of pure electric range.

The battery can be charged through 800V DC fast charging up to 350kW and gain 100 miles (160km) of charge in approximately 12 minutes.

GM Defense says the vehicle will emit low acoustic and thermal signatures which will provide additional advantages on the frontline.

“We’re trying to showcase what is in the realm of the possible just so we can get the discussion going and help shape their future requirements,” a company spokesperson explained to Breaking Defense. 

According to Breaking Defense, the United States Army launched an eLRV prototype competition.

The news outlet reports the army plans to use the prototype vehicle will be in its Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as an “enhanced mobility, lethality, protection, mission load capacity, and onboard power for a six-soldier scout squad” on reconnaissance and security missions.

“The eLRV will operate in conjunction with the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) and Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platforms to enhance the lethality, mobility, and survivability of the IBCT,” according to the U.S. Army.

It’s unclear if GM will propose the new concept to the U.S. Army, but GM Defense chief engineer and director of advanced product development Paul Beaker told Breaking Defense a proposal is in the works.