Enova Systems Inc. (Torrance, CA), a developer and manufacturer of mobile and stationary electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems, announced that it has received a contract from Mack Truck Inc., Powertrain Division, a member of the Volvo Group (Sweden), for the development and fabrication of an advanced heavy-duty hybrid drive system, funded by the US Air Force (USAF) for its diesel-electric hybrid R11 refueler vehicle.
The dual-use, parallel, hybrid drive system for the refueler is being developed in a joint effort between Mack and Enova for a program led by the Southwest Research Institute. Enova will develop and manufacture the motor controller, electric motor and battery management systems for the new parallel hybrid drive system using Mack Trucks' MD11 diesel engine. The new parallel hybrid vehicle program is part of the Air Force's efforts to improve efficiency, reduce fuel and maintenance costs, provide re-generative brake energy and reduce emissions.
The refueler fleet consists of approximately 300 vehicles, and upon successful completion and evaluation of the refueler vehicle, there is the potential for additional upgrades to the parallel hybrid drive system. As part of the program, Mack Trucks will also evaluate the applicability of the drive system to commercial vehicles, commencing with its Class 8 Refuse Hauler. Enova's portion of the $1.2 million development program is valued at approximately $250,000, and has the potential for additional system sales for both military and commercial application following the evaluation phase.
