ISV-H Program Launches: Tactical Vehicles Transform into Power Nodes
The US Army has officially launched the Infantry Squad Vehicle – Heavy (ISV-H) program, planning to procure 606 new tactical vehicles to fully replace the long-serving Humvee. According to the Army’s published requirements, each ISV-H must deliver 60 kilowatts of power output, sufficient to provide stable electricity for drones, laser weapons, communications systems, and other electronic equipment while on the move or stationary. This program marks the Army’s shift from traditional transport vehicles to mobile power nodes, addressing the demands of modern warfare for dispersed operations and real-time energy management.
The Army emphasizes that the ISV-H is designed for division and brigade-level units, supporting rapid deployment and sustained power supply for small, dispersed combat formations. Compared to the current Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which provides only 12.8 to 14.6 kilowatts of power output, the ISV-H’s power requirement has increased nearly fourfold, reflecting the Army’s heavy reliance on electronic equipment for future battlefields.
Three Manufacturers Compete for Prototype Contracts
The Army has selected Ford, General Motors (GM), and off-road vehicle customizer BC Customs to participate in the ISV-H program’s prototype development. Under the contract terms, each manufacturer is required to build three prototype vehicles for Army evaluation. BC Customs has confirmed its partnership with North Carolina-based Raglan, a company specializing in military power and hybrid systems that has previously provided solutions for the US Special Operations Command and Air Force Global Strike Command.
The ISV-H program utilizes the Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) model, allowing the Army to bypass traditional procurement processes to rapidly acquire innovative equipment. BC Customs stated that the program not only demands high mobility and air-deployable capabilities but also requires continuous support for communications and battlefield systems while on the move, ensuring energy autonomy for dispersed operations.
BC Customs Unveils Dual-Mode Tactical Electric Vehicle
BC Customs’ recently introduced SXV-EV1 tactical electric vehicle is seen as a potential contender for the ISV-H program. The vehicle features a dual-mode design combining a diesel engine and an electric motor, enabling silent operation in full electric mode while supporting on-the-move charging and power export. BC Customs emphasizes that the SXV-EV1 is designed for harsh battlefield environments, effectively reducing thermal signatures and noise while offering retrofit kits for existing SXV vehicles, allowing units to upgrade without fully replacing their fleets.
Partner company Hypercraft noted that the thermal signatures and acoustic profiles of traditional vehicles have become critical vulnerabilities on modern battlefields. Their systems enable real-time energy modulation through a single interface, allowing seamless transitions between complete stealth mode and maximum power output. Defense analyst Colton Jones stated that tactical vehicles have evolved from mere transport tools into mobile nodes carrying sensors, charging systems, and command centers, with future designs prioritizing long-range mobility, air and sea deployment, and on-the-move power support.
Army Accelerates Fleet Electrification Efforts
Beyond the ISV-H program, the US Army has been actively advancing fleet electrification in recent years. Earlier this year, the Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams tank prototype with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Additionally, Humvee manufacturer AM General introduced the Humvee Charge hybrid concept vehicle in 2023, showcasing diverse possibilities for military vehicle electrification.
Army data reveals that its vehicles spend up to 75% of their operational time idling, prompting experimentation with anti-idling battery retrofit kits to replace traditional idling generators. This approach not only conserves fuel but also reduces thermal signatures and noise, enhancing tactical stealth. Despite recent federal energy policy shifts toward fossil fuels, the Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Innovation Office (OEI) continues to drive military energy innovation, emphasizing improved energy resilience, cost reduction, and enhanced mission capabilities.
The timeline for the ISV-H program’s evaluation and production decisions has not been disclosed. However, the Army has demonstrated strong interest in hybrid tactical vehicles through GM Defense’s Chevy Colorado-based infantry squad vehicle program and variants of Ford’s F-Series Super Duty pickup. As drones, laser weapons, and other electronic equipment become more prevalent, the power output capacity of tactical vehicles will emerge as a critical advantage on future battlefields.
