AVT-166: Evaluation criteria for Military Hybrid Vehicles

The hybrid electric technology is fast approaching a level of maturity which will allow military Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) to be fielded in the near future. HEVs have unique parameters that distinguish them from conventional vehicles. These parameters and their evaluation criteria which are based on well-defined metrics, will allow assessment of the HEVs expanded capabilities and comparison of different concepts and solutions. The evaluation criteria address the unique HEV capabilities which include electric power generation for onboard and export use, sufficient energy storage for silent mobility and silent watch, reduced signature, reduced logistical burden and improved fuel economy.

The challenges of HEVs and their solutions are well described and include size and weight of the electric components for integration into the available spaces in the vehicle, thermal management due to the low operating temperatures of most components especially the power electronics and safety, associated with high voltage and the high power energy storage devices.

This report describes in detail the methods used to derive the evaluation criteria that can be used and converted to NATO standards for the assessment of HEVs.