Will future ground fleets finally embrace hybrid electric solutions?
GDLS AbramsX has been fitted with a hybrid power pack. (Photo: GDLS)
Despite growing interest in hybrid electric capabilities and its obvious advantages, obstacles and common challenges continue to hamper its deployment into military vehicles.
Issues preventing a broader use of hybrid electric capabilities have remained a pertinent issue despite armies and industry paying great attention to the technology. Some of the challenges can be related to budget, performance and mobility.
Andrew Halonen, mechanical engineer and president of US-based company Mayflower Consulting, explained to Shephard that adding hybrid electric capabilities can increase the weight of military vehicles.
“It means you have motors, electric motors, extremely heavy powertrain and inverters, and batteries that are super dense and super heavy,” Halonen pointed out. “That means additional weight – and how are you going to offset that weight so that you can still
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options]()
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
-
![How to breach a minefield: from traditional systems to modern techniques in action]()
How to breach a minefield: from traditional systems to modern techniques in action
The news from Ukraine has again shown that antitank minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield, such as deep trenches, can play a key role in both offensive and defensive operations. Given this, there will always be a need to clear them, both during and after a conflict.
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
