General Motors unveils electric military vehicle with diesel range extender

GM Defense presented a somewhat special pickup for military operations. It is electric with a diesel range extender.

GM Defense is a military vehicle subsidiary of General Motors. The company presented a completely new military pickup, which is based on a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. It is therefore an electric vehicle with a range extender, to combine the practical side with the discretion of electric.

This vehicle is called the Next Gen and it is electrically powered. The range extender is GM’s famous 2.8-liter Duramax turbo diesel engine.

The militarized Chevrolet Silverado has two engines, one in the front and one on the rear axle. To power everything, a 12-module battery is present in the pick-up platform.

GM Defense does not offer any data on the autonomy of the Next Gen, with or without a range extender. But the decision to use an electric vehicle is tactical on the part of the military division.

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A silent tactical vehicle in the field

The creators of the model explain that it can have two very useful modes on the ground during a conflict. The first is Silent Drive, for discreet driving, and the second is Silent Watch, for surveillance.

This armored monster has several modern and useful equipment for military operations. These include ABS, stability control, harnesses and a 360-degree camera.

Still without giving figures, GM Defense ensures that this Next Gen consumes less than a thermal Silverado. Several options are available in terms of armor, and the vehicle can be controlled remotely.

Thanks to its long interior, the Next Gen is available in two, four and six-seater versions. The model is therefore very versatile. GM Defense lends it command, evacuation and even network development missions.