Military diesel hybrid featured at Indianapolis 500 event

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. recently announced that the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center demonstrated its Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle as part of special events ramping up to the Indianapolis 500. The vehicle was featured at the first-ever Emerging Technology Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.

The CERV is a new-generation stealth vehicle that incorporates Quantum’s Q-Force all-wheel drive hybrid-electric technology. According to Quantum, the vehicle has a top speed of 80 miles per hour and can climb 60 percent grades while reducing fuel consumption by up to 25 percent when compared with conventional vehicles of comparable sizes. Quantum began its support of the U.S. Army’s drive for energy efficiency several years ago with the development of the Military Aggressor, a first-generation fuel cell hybrid electric alternative mobility vehicle that was designed for quick-paced mobility operations. The CERV is Quantum’s next-generation offering.

According to information released by TARDEC, the CERV was jointly designed by Quantum and TARDEC’s National Automotive Center. “The prototype CERV was designed for quick-paced mobility operations, such as reconnaissance, surveillance and target designation,” said TARDEC in a release. “CERV pairs Quantum’s new advanced all-wheel-drive diesel hybrid-electric powertrain with a light-weight chassis to produce a torque rating that exceeds 5,000 pounds.”

“In keeping with the nation’s interest in fuel efficiency, renewable power and energy security, TARDEC is fully engaged in ambitious programs that push development of hybrid electric vehicles for U.S. military use,” said TARDAC NAC Director Paul Skalny. “Having CERV at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—the proving ground for which both the defense and automotive industry have learned so much—is a solid indicator of where this technology can go.”

Information released by TARDEC notes the importance of energy efficiency to the Army. According to Skalny, a study conducted by the Army has shown that a 1 percent increase in energy efficiency would translate into 6,444 fewer soldiers that would have to participate in fuel convoy missions, a dangerous operational role.