The U.S. Army has taken a major step toward energy independence in its dealings with Honeywell Aerospace. This contractor has devolved contracts for ancillary power vehicles (APVs) to Vancouver-based Rapid Electric Vehicles (REV). Four APVs will be produced for the military’s Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC) at Wheeler Air Base in Hawaii. Three of these APVs will be based on the Ford Escape while the fourth APV will utilize the Ford F-150 platform.
REV is utilizing in-house propulsion, energy storage and mobile communications systems for its APVs. The 300 ACX drive system is capable of speeds up to 90 miles per hour and a range up to 120 miles per charge. These light-duty vehicles will be utilized for passenger transit, mail delivery and light cargo at Wheeler Air Base. The delivery of four APVs to TARDEC will be accompanied by an order of four Coulumb ChargePoint EV stations. REV is also working with Valence Technology to procure 200kWh in energy storage units for TARDEC. These units will be equipped to handle power from clean energy sources including wind, solar and hydropower.
TARDEC will use the APVs as part of the Army’s Micro-Grid Project. This project will determine if the U.S. Army can assemble and maintain localized grids for plug-in vehicles. Participants in the Micro-Grid Project will look at the charging and energy storage capabilities of APVs. The primary objective of the first round of research is to assess the flow of electricity in and out of charging vehicles. The U.S. Army wants APVs to release excess energy back into the grid to charge field equipment and mobile facilities.
The Micro-Grid Project could be yet another example of military technology that evolves when entering the civilian realm. The current trend in EV infrastructure is a more localized system where an EV would shut down its charging unit when the battery is full. TARDEC and REV are looking at the EV as a potential conduit for electrical power throughout a more extensive grid. Each APV would be capable of recharging quickly, channeling excess power back into the grid and acting as an energy sources for remote facilities. REV will get additional opportunities to build on the Micro-Grid Project’s success thanks to a trio of military contracts.
