General Motors (GM) plans to build prototypes of a military electric vehicle based on the GMC Hummer EV, called the “Electric Light Reconnaissance Vehicle” (eLRV), for evaluation by the U.S. Army in 2022, according to GM Defense President Steve DuMont in an interview with CNBC.
The eLRV is expected to use the chassis, motors, and Ultium battery system of the civilian Hummer EV. The fast-charging capability of the Ultium pack, providing 100 miles of range in 12 minutes, could be a military asset.
Reportedly, the eLRV won’t resemble the civilian Hummer EV. It’s likely to be a transformation similar to GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), which uses the frame and powertrain of the midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup but with a reduced body.
The development of a military reconnaissance vehicle based on the Hummer EV is not guaranteed, as GM is just one of 10 companies that responded to the Army’s request for information on such a vehicle. The next steps involve detailed specifications and prototype construction. Two companies will be selected for production, with a decision expected by the mid-2020s.
While its military future is uncertain, GM has hinted that the Hummer EV could spawn various other civilian models. The initial Hummer EV will be a luxury item, but its body structure and propulsion toolkit will serve as the basis for upcoming full-size trucks with lower prices, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV (now known as Silverado E), expected to be an affordable volume entry for fleets.
GM will manufacture the Hummer EV in the Detroit area, with some deliveries expected before the end of the year. It will launch as the Edition 1 pickup truck, featuring around 1,000 horsepower and a base price of $112,595 (including destination). Less expensive versions and a GMC Hummer EV SUV will follow.
Meanwhile, the AM General plant that originally produced the military Humvee is now being used for the assembly of commercial vans for the startup ELMS.
