GM Defense Offers Battery Electric Technology for Future Military Applications
2024-06-25
WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense, a division of General Motors, is collaborating with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) to provide commercial battery electric technology. The project, known as Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Batteries to Enable Directed Energy (EEVBEDE), is being funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Operational Energy Innovation office through its Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). UTA PPEL will assess the capabilities of commercial automotive batteries under different charging and discharging scenarios to explore their potential for use in military platforms.
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GM Defense is utilizing GM’s Ultium Platform propulsion architecture for testing and evaluation. The Ultium Platform offers enhanced power, range, and scalability compared to previous GM hybrid or EV technologies. It is designed to be modular and adaptable, able to accommodate various cell chemistries and form factors to meet evolving needs and incorporate new technologies. By leveraging its parent company’s battery technologies, GM Defense aims to address the DoD’s energy and energy storage requirements. This project will provide valuable insights into how batteries perform in dynamic, high-power operations, offering innovative solutions for the military.
Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, stated, “The Department of Defense stands to benefit significantly from GM’s investment in cutting-edge battery technologies. These advancements have the potential to enhance operational capabilities in various military settings. GM Defense is proud to be part of this important initiative and to support our defense and government clients with transformative technologies.”
David Wetz, a professor at UTA and director of PPEL, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, “We are excited to assess the Ultium Platform’s suitability for future military applications. Through our partnership with the DoD and GM Defense, we are well-positioned to evaluate this technology and offer recommendations for its efficient use in military contexts.”
Peter Crouch, dean of UTA’s College of Engineering, highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation, “As a Carnegie R-1 university, we are dedicated to collaborating with industry partners like GM Defense to explore the potential of new technologies. This collaboration not only enhances our nation’s defense capabilities but also contributes to the development of future engineers who will tackle complex challenges.”
GM Defense has previously participated in the Defense Innovation Unit’s Jumpstart for Advanced Battery Standardization (JABS) project, where they tested high voltage battery systems. Leveraging insights from JABS, GM Defense integrated a high-voltage battery pack into a light tactical utility vehicle to demonstrate mission power capabilities. These experiences will inform the development of future battery electric defense solutions. For more information about GM Defense projects, visit www.gmdefensellc.com or follow them on LinkedIn.
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About GM Defense LLC
GM Defense specializes in delivering comprehensive solutions for global defense, security, and government markets, including integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity options. With a strong foundation in GM’s proven technologies and significant investment in research and development, GM Defense is positioned as a world leader in design, engineering, and manufacturing. For more details, visit www.gmdefensellc.com.