Azure Dynamics to Build a Parallel Hybrid Humvee

7 February 2005

Azure Dynamics, which recently shipped the first of a number of series hybrid delivery vans to Purolator (earlier post) has been awarded a contract by AM General to develop a parallel hybrid Humvee (HMMWV) integrated with a third-generation Auxiliary Power Distribution System (APDS) for the military.

The purpose of the parallel hybrid HMMWV program is to compare parallel and series hybrid system architectures to determine which provides better fuel economy, silent mobility and overall performance in a military environment. The program will also measure the performance of a third generation APDS to export high-quality single and three-phase power from the hybrid HMMWV for field-based systems.

Azure Dynamics US will deliver its parallel hybrid drive and APDS systems in mid-2005 and will support the integration of the systems by AM General into a modified M1113 HMMWV.

Late last year Azure Dynamics, which had its strength in series hybrid architectures, acquired Solectria Corporation, which has its strength in parallel hybrid architectures. (Earlier post)

There are a number of hybrid projects underway for the military in a range of vehicle applications.