Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW – News) announced today, the delivery of two new hybrid electric vehicles to the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army TARDEC’s NAC (Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center’s National Automotive Center) will unveil the Quantum MP Hybrid(TM) vehicles at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 2005 World Congress, which opened today. The Quantum MP Hybrid(TM) is a low cost, light duty vehicle designed to support a variety of military, homeland defense, and commercial applications. This dual use military/commercial platform offers reduced fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs, while providing other benefits such as quiet operation, on-board power generation via removable/remote power supplies, and ease of maintenance.
These first two vehicles incorporate diesel electric hybrid drive systems to capitalize on the Army’s existing diesel fuel infrastructure. The Quantum MP Hybrid(TM) can also be configured with hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines or fuel cells. Quantum will continue its discussions with the U.S. Army to advance the hydrogen applications.
The military version features a removable 5 kW “briefcase-size” generator set. The other vehicle is configured for civilian use, demonstrating dual use applications that will enable cost reductions to the military through economies of scale. Both vehicles will seat four full-sized adults and include a cargo storage area suitable for backpacks, toolboxes, and other light-duty hauling.
Dennis Wend, Executive Director of the U.S. Army’s National Automotive Center stated, “We are excited by the potential that this low-cost concept has to dramatically reduce the military’s fuel cost and costs associated with wear and tear on more expensive vehicles currently used for base transport, such as the HMMWV. ”
“Quantum continues to advance our system technologies and creatively apply these technologies in hybrid applications. We have now delivered a fuel cell vehicle — the Quantum ‘Aggressor(TM)’ — and two internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles to the military. The new MP Hybrid(TM) is unique in that it is a modular, easily configurable light duty vehicle platform that allows a fleet purchaser to define requirements, select from a variety of assemblies and features, and custom configure the body and power train to best suit their specific vehicle needs.”
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