GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, has been chosen by the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a prototype energy storage unit as part of the Stable Tactical Expeditionary Electric Power (STEEP) program. The STEEP program aims to enhance tactical microgrid and energy management capabilities in challenging environments, reducing the need for logistical support and reliance on fossil fuels within the DoD.
GM Defense will utilize GM’s advanced electric vehicle propulsion architecture, the Ultium Platform, to create a scalable and adaptable energy storage unit that meets the energy requirements of military operations. The prototype solution will provide uninterrupted and sustainable power for critical equipment, including command and control systems, communications, radar, and weapons systems in remote areas or locations without a stable power grid. GM Defense’s STEEP energy storage system will incorporate intelligent tactical microgrid capabilities, working in conjunction with hydrogen-powered generators, stationary and mobile battery electric power, and existing fuel-powered generators to optimize power management and distribution.
Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, expressed pride in winning another contract award from DIU, highlighting the company’s ability to leverage advanced commercial technologies and investments from its parent company, GM. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption, lower acoustic and thermal signatures, and provide efficient energy solutions at the tactical edge. The alignment between DIU’s mission to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology in the military and GM Defense’s efforts to transition defense and government customers to a more electric, autonomous, and connected future is emphasized.
This is not the first contract award GM Defense has received from DIU. In 2022, they were awarded a contract to develop a prototyping battery system based on GM’s Ultium Platform for the Jumpstart for Advanced Battery Standardization (JABS) project. Since then, GM Defense has expanded its work under the contract to integrate the high-voltage battery pack into their Multi-Mission and Logistics vehicle. The JABS project aims to standardize battery modules across the DoD and facilitate the integration of future battery advancements into military platforms.
GM Defense will continue to build on the progress made in the JABS program and the start of the STEEP program as they invest in battery electric capabilities to support DIU initiatives. If successful, the STEEP program will transition into a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) program, marking GM Defense’s first program with the USMC since its relaunch in 2017.
