IRVINE, Calif., 11 Nov. 2009. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. is developing and shipping diesel hybrid vehicles to the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) National Automotive Center (NAC), with funding support through the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and project administration through Alion.
Quantum developed the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV), which is a diesel hybrid electric vehicle targeted for quick-paced special operations-type missions involving reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting.
The CERV design incorporates Quantum Q-Force, which is a new proprietary, advanced all-wheel-drive diesel hybrid electric powertrain. Quantum designed a unique purpose-built light-weight chassis, integrated the Q-Force diesel hybrid electric powertrain, performed a series of vehicle performance and safety tests and successfully built a total of six (6) hybrid vehicles as part of this program. This unique vehicle has a torque rating that exceeds 5,000 foot-pounds, can maintain a speed of 80 miles per hour, and ascend 60 percent grades. The Q-Force hybrid powertrain is capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 25 percent compared with a conventional vehicle, helping to significantly reduce the carbon footprint. CERV is up-fitted with a unique weapons ring that Quantum designed to enable higher fire power for this high performance, versatile platform.
"The CERV program follows previous successful contracts with the U.S. Army, wherein Quantum designed and developed from the ground up, and demonstrated the Aggressor, a high performance light-duty off-road hybrid electric vehicle," commented Alan P. Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum. "I am excited about our next generation diesel hybrid powertrain technologies and our new military special operations vehicle that is well-positioned to create another highly fuel-efficient and powerful platform that improves the military's tactical capabilities. We believe that the CERV program offers innovative solutions to meet the mission of the national defense effort, while reducing the fuel logistic burden. We acknowledge the support from TARDEC National Automotive Center for the success of this program."
In 2008 Quantum introduced a gasoline plug-in-hybrid drive known as the 'Q-Drive' in the Fisker KARMA 4-door sports sedan. Fisker Automotive, the "Green American" car company that was co-founded by Quantum and Henrik Fisker, was awarded a $528.7 million loan by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and manufacture plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the Fisker Karma. In related news, on October 27, 2009, Vice President Joe Biden announced that Fisker Automotive is re-opening a 3.2 million square foot former GM factory in Delaware to mass-produce plug-in hybrid vehicles.
