GM Defense's Latest Truck Based on the Chevy Silverado 2500 ZR2 is a Brilliant Combination of EV and Diesel Power

GM Defense has taken the wraps off a brilliant new design, aimed at giving soldiers a vehicle with incredible range but also the ability to travel silently when they have the need. The “Next Gen” truck is based on the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2. The prototype tactical vehicle is powered by both a 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel and a 12-module battery pack. GM Defense unveiled it at a military trade show this week, in Washington D.C. The truck has electric drive motors for the front and rear axles. That means that the “Next Gen” truck can be driven silently, which could be a lifesaver for troops trying not to be detected.

“Our Next Gen vehicle is a game-changing mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating GM’s proven commercial technologies,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “This rugged and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages, such as Silent Operations, exportable power, and increased range with extended mission duration. Our warfighters deserve the latest technology that industry can offer in order to gain and maintain a competitive advantage over our adversaries. Our Next Gen mobility solution can be customized and fielded now.”

How the Dual Fuel Situation Helps Military Personnel

A huge problem for the military is that heavy vehicles like tanks and fuel tankers can be heard from miles away. Anything that manufacturers can do to make vehicles quieter and give them longer range helps troops carry out their missions more safely. Hopefully, the troops can travel through high-threat zones without being detected. The onboard power can support sensors and weapons. The vehicles Based on the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ZR2 are equipped with extensive off-road safety features, including roll-over protection, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, four- and five-point seat belt harnesses, and 360-degree camera capabilities.

Next Gen’s Tactical Advantages:

• Silent Drive and Silent Watch, enabling nearly silent operations and fewer thermal signatures
• Exportable power is capable of charging equipment and weapons systems
• Tactically significant range with extended mission duration
• Designed to be autonomy-ready with the possibility of unmanned operations
• Body can be armor-plated
• Needs less fuel overall
• Lower maintenance requirements, GM has service distribution centers all over the world. Runs on standard diesel

“Next Gen’s ‘wow’ factor is right behind the wheel,” said John ‘JD’ Johnson, vice president of GM Defense’s Government Solutions and Strategy Division. “Customers need to drive this highly capable vehicle to see, feel, and hear the benefits. Next Gen fundamentally changes the discussion around modern mobility through the tactical benefits delivered by its propulsion system, including its ability to address the power gap in the formation. This highly capable tactical vehicle leverages billions of dollars of investments GM has made in R&D and innovation to enhance warfighter capability. We encourage customers to test drive it so that we can get these capabilities fielded immediately.”

Highly Versatile Chevy-Based Truck for Any Mission

Next Gen is offered in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations. The versatile vehicle can be used for command and control, to launch weapons or to counter drones and missiles. One of its most critical missions could be to quietly make its way into war zones and rescue injured soldiers. Evacuations could be nearly silent.

GM Defense has already been very successful with a smaller truck based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. The Infantry Squad Vehicle is smaller so it can fit into and be transported by military helicopters. This larger truck will be just as effective off-road and be a great complement to military operations.

Now, every Chevrolet Silverado 2500 buyer will be jealous about the silent operation and extended range!

GM Defense Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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