In a virtual press conference, Oshkosh Defense presented the eJLTV, a variant of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) with a hybrid-electric drive train. To complement the diesel propulsion, a boosted generator, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery have been integrated.
This allows the vehicle to be used with pure combustion engine propulsion, pure electric propulsion and as a supplier of electrical energy. According to Oshkosh, the eJLTV offers the same level of performance and protection as the base vehicle. The vehicle can drive almost silently and use observation/reconnaissance and communication means without the diesel engine running (silent watch). Despite a slightly increased total weight, more than 20 per cent of diesel fuel could be saved, the company claims.
When the engine is running, the eJLTV can deliver up to 115 kW of electrical power continuously. While driving, the 30 kWh battery is fully charged in 30 minutes. One battery charge is sufficient – depending on the terrain and driving speed – for a driving distance of between 50 and 100 km in purely electric mode.
Because of this configuration of the drive, the vehicle is not dependent on any charging infrastructure. This removes one big obstacle for the widespread electrification of the tactical wheeled vehicle fleet, Oshkosh writes.
According to Oshkosh, a follow-on production contract is expected to be awarded in September 2022. The contract is estimated at US$6.5Bn (€5.8Bn) and is to include the delivery of 15,468 JLTVs over five years. The delivery of further JLTVs until 2032 is an option.
The new tender does not call for a hybrid-electric JLTV, Bryant said. However, the US Army has a high interest in electrically powered combat vehicles.
