GM Defense to Construct Military Prototype Based on GMC Hummer EV

General Motors recently reported that it has been in talks with the United States military about building a prototype vehicle based on the GMC Hummer EV. The prototype will be classified as an electric Light Reconnaissance Vehicle or eLRV. The talks come courtesy of GM’s Defense division, which is a military mobility-focused division of General Motors. Just last year in 2020, GM Defense was awarded a $214.3 million contract from the US Army for Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs). The Defense division is now hoping to spearhead the eLRV prototype which will be a modified version of the Hummer EV. It will be fit for US Army specifications. GM is hopeful that this will lead to GM handling the EVs for future military programs. 

GM Defense to Build Hummer eLRV Prototypes

General Motors will be developing an eLRV prototype for the US Army based on the GMC Hummer EV. GM Defense will be handling the construction. The Hummer EV has been making headlines since its debut in 2020. Originally, the Hummer was a gas-guzzling SUV, but since it was shown with electric specifications, it has been heralded back and welcomed as a vehicle of the future. EVs alike have seen this warm welcome as automakers face the global climate crisis. This eLRV prototype is another byproduct of this as the US Army will be hoping to transition to more environmentally-friendly vehicles over the course of the next few years.

GM Defense will be modifying the GMC Hummer EV’s frame, motors, and Ultium batteries. The goal is to create an eLRV that meets the specifications of the military. Given this aspect, the final product will most likely not look like the one offered to the general public. The vice president of product development and advanced engineering at GM Defense Rick Kewley has stated that they expect to begin assembly in 2022. The US military has stated that they will be selecting companies to continue production based on the final prototype. As of May, the US Army had reached out to about ten different companies including GM. We’ll have to see which company they go with, but it’s good news that EVs are being accepted in different industries.

One note about the potential for eLRVs is something that concerned Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. Upon visiting GM’s facilities, she noted that the Department of Defense was interested in the use of EVs but that there were concerns about charging infrastructure. This has been one of several concerns about EVs but thankfully many automakers and even legislators have been keen on improving charging infrastructure in the US. Legislation like the recent infrastructure bill has shown a continued interest in making EVs accessible and practical. 

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Photo Credit: GM