Oshkosh Defense eJLTV, the new hybrid military vehicle for the US Marines

A few months ago we saw that GM was working on a version of the Hummer EV to enter service with the US Army. Now we find that it is not the only company preparing an electrified military model for the country’s defence. Oshkosh Defense is a company that offers the JLTV, another off-road vehicle for the army, and has now unveiled the eJLTV, which is the same vehicle but with a hybrid powertrain.

With this, the eJLTV promises a 20% increase in fuel efficiency, which will boost its efficiency in the field. The company has not gone into much detail, but it says electric driving can serve reconnaissance missions where silence is essential, and the electric motor is ideal for this role.

Battery and hybrid motor

According to the information provided by Oshkosh Defense, the eJLTV uses a 30 kWh battery pack. This is not charged from an external charging point, but while the diesel engine is running. This is a major advantage, because when on a mission, an external charging point could be a problem.

In this way, the vehicle does not lose capability during missions and can recharge its battery without needing to be connected to a charging point. Furthermore, if necessary, the eJLTV can work as an emergency generator and supply up to 115 kW of power.

This development did not arise at the request of the US Department of Defense, but is a proposal from the company. Its hope is that, when the supply contract for military vehicles is renewed, due to be signed in September, there will be room for some units of this hybrid model.

Another application this technology may have is for the United States Postal Service, as Oshkosh Defense has been selected to supply the official vehicles for the postal service in the country.

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