Oshkosh Defense Unveils Hybrid-Electric JLTV

Oshkosh Defense Unveils Silent Drive Hybrid-Electric JLTV

The eJLTV will provide extended silent watch, enhanced fuel economy and increased exportable power for various military operations. By Sara Jensen

Oshkosh Defense has unveiled its first silent drive hybrid-electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which it is calling the eJLTV. The vehicle is designed to provide the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps with the same performance as the traditional JLTV but with the ability to drive silently.

In addition, the company says the eJLTV will provide extended silent watch, enhanced fuel economy and increased exportable power for use in combat as well as reconnaissance operations.

“For many years, we’ve been developing, testing and evolving hybrid-electric variants of our heavy- and medium-duty tactical wheeled vehicles,” said John Bryant, Executive Vice President for Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh Defense, in the company’s press release announcing the new vehicle. “Now, with the eJLTV, we’re offering our military customers an affordable way to electrify their light, tactical-wheeled vehicle fleet without compromising the off-road performance or superior protection necessary in combat operations.”

Designed to protect and improve operations

The eJLTV is based on Oshkosh Defense’s JLTV platform. According to George Mansfield, Vice President and General Manager of Joint Programs at Oshkosh Defense, the company is using commercially-available components and technologies for the hybrid electric vehicle. “We use an integrated motor generator and high-voltage energy storage system as part of the

The eJLTV is built upon the JLTV platform and utilizes commercially available products.

powertrain, while the same engine and transmission are retained,” he said.

Oshkosh Defense said that highlights of the eJLTV include: • Maintaining the performance and protection of Oshkosh Defense JLTV • Improving fuel economy by more than 20% • Providing battery capacity of 30 kWh with opportunity for growth • Eliminating the need for a towed generator by providing export power capacity of up to 115 kW

The eJLTV uses a lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged via the diesel engine while the vehicle is in use to help ensure power is available whenever needed. The battery can be fully recharged within 30 minutes, assuring little downtime for military personnel who may need to maneuver quickly from one location to another.

The recharging capability also eliminates the need for charging infrastructure, one of the biggest challenges for the military to fully shift to electrification. Not only is it a large investment to install charging infrastructure, but the ability to do so in the often remote locations in which the military operates can be difficult. There is also the question of what to do with the charging infrastructure if an encampment needs to move to a new location.

Also challenging is the fact the vehicle may not be able to make it back to the base in the time needed for recharging. With the battery’s ability to be recharged while the eJLTV is in motion, these hurdles can more easily be overcome until other, possibly portable, recharging solutions can be developed. The U.S. Army plans to initiate a recompete for the JLTV program this year, for which Oshkosh Defense has been a supplier since 2015. |