VIVIAN ASHER

The Oshkosh JLTV enters the electric age.

Oshkosh Defense just joined the fray, unveiling a hybridized prototype of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, dubbed the Oshkosh eJLTV.

The eJLTV builds upon the JLTVLike the standard JLTV (of which about 15,000 are currently operated by the armed forces), the eJLTV sports Oshkosh's Baja-bred height-adjustable and self-leveling gas-adjustable independent suspension, MRAP-grade armor, and full-time four-wheel drive. Where things change is under the hood. Joining the standard GM-sourced Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 and Allison-built six-speed automatic is a new electric motor, backed up by a 30 kWh battery pack, which, the manufacturer says is leaves it "opportunity for growth." The eJLTV's battery pack and motor adds about 1,000 pounds to the JLTV's roughly 14,000 pound curb weight.

Aside from reducing the military's reliance on jet fuelthe eJLTV provides further benefits to deployed airmen, soldiers, and Marines. Like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the eJLTV is capable of exporting up to 115 kW of electricity, eliminating the need to tow a generator. The eJLTV has the further benefit of reducing the vehicle's noise and heat signature, making it more survivable in combat.

Although the military currently has no plans to purchase the eJLTVs, Oshkosh is likely attempting to sweeten the pot as it re-competes for the Army contract to continue building JLTVs this year. The Army, which purchased the JLTV's technical rights from Oshkosh, is currently soliciting bids from Oshkosh, GM Defense, Navistar, and AM General for a "recompete" contract. It plans to award the JLTV follow-on contract by the end of 2022.