Autonomous and Quiet Alternative Propulsion Systems and Fuels for a New Generation of Military Vehicles

Related Vendors

Rheinmetall AG

GGB Heilbronn GmbH

The use of alternative fuels, or so-called e-fuels, is being discussed not only at the European level. In the defense sector, there are initiatives to produce fuels for military operations without relying on petroleum, aiming to achieve a greater degree of independence. The same trend applies to electric drives, which can be integrated into hybrid powertrains. A key challenge is to reduce the current dependence on rare-earth materials for the permanent magnets used in electric motors. Early approaches from both industry and university research are pointing the way forward, offering targeted energy autonomy and the added benefit of lower noise emissions on the battlefield.

Rheinmetall’s light vehicle Hermelin employs a series-hybrid system, pairing a diesel generator that charges the battery with electric motors on each axle for propulsion. This combination leverages the strengths of both diesel and electric drive, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s operational capabilities.