American vehicle manufacturer Oshkosh Defense has unveiled a hybrid-electric version of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) that reportedly features reduced noise and heat signatures compared to diesel engines.
According to the company, the new variant provides military customers with the same level of performance and protection as the original JLTV. However, the design offers silent drive, extended silent watch, and enhanced fuel economy, making it potentially more suitable for combat and reconnaissance missions.
Since combat zones are less likely to have charging stations for all-electric vehicles, Oshkosh kept the existing diesel motor to charge the e-JLTV’s lithium-ion battery. The company claims that the diesel motor can fully charge the vehicle in just 30 minutes.
Additionally, the e-JLTV boasts an increased export power of up to 115 kilowatts, eliminating the need for towed generators and offering the ability to power other devices.
The US Department of Defense has yet to order the new e-JLTVs, but the US Army is reportedly interested in all-electric or hybrid-electric vehicles to join its fleet of over 49,000 JLTVs.
Search for Next US Army Electric Vehicle
In recent years, the US military has been increasingly integrating electric and hybrid sources to lessen the burden of fuel and disposable batteries.
In mid-2021, the Army conducted a demonstration evaluating electric vehicle options to help formulate requirements for a future Electric Light Reconnaissance Vehicle.
Last year, American automotive manufacturer GM Defense also allowed Army officials to test drive an all-electric version of the service’s Infantry Squad Vehicle and discuss how to manage an all-electric fleet. However, the service maintains that a hybrid-electric version would be the more practical option for the military, particularly for combat vehicles that require a lot of power.
Oshkosh Defense president John Bryant explained that learning military customers would prefer hybrid-electric technology over all-electric vehicles paved the way for the firm to begin research and development.
“For many years, we’ve been developing, testing and evolving hybrid-electric variants of our heavy and medium-duty tactical wheeled vehicles,” Bryant said in a press release.
“Now, with the e-JLTV, we’re offering our military customers an affordable way to electrify their light tactical wheeled vehicle fleet without compromising the off-road performance or superior protection necessary in combat operations.”