French-UK partnership seeks to crack electric-drive conundrum
Electric hub drive unit. (Photo: QinetiQ)
Hub drive technology combines electric propulsion with mechanical and regenerative braking in a compact package.
French axle and driveline manufacturer Texelis is partnering UK technology company QinetiQ to deliver in-wheel electric hub drive systems for armoured vehicles.
The strategic partnership, announced on 18 May, will see Texelis manufacture the hub drive technology at scale to meet market demands.
For its part, QinetiQ will bring core electrification technology and expertise.
Previous attempts at electric propulsion for wheeled military vehicles fell short where the direct drive of relatively large and inefficient motors was used, the two companies argued in a statement.
They added that their partnership would deliver a hub drive transmission where electrical machines are small-sized for the high-speed propulsion, ‘with all the advantages in terms of acceleration and agility, with the high torque demands for hill climb and obstacle crossing handled by the range-changing gearbox’.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
