The University of Exeter and defence vehicle manufacturer Supacat are developing an off-road electric autonomous vehicle.

Following the government’s ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, the project has designed the next generation of ‘green’ defence and off-road transport.

The hybrid electrical powered version of the All-Terrain Mobility Platform, widely in use by the military, has been tested in a number of harsh terrains.

It is hoped that the new technology, which supports ‘optionally manned’ and autonomous operating, can be exported to allied forces and translated into a range of challenging 'off-highway' uses, including emergency services, rail, marine, forestry and aerospace.

Engineering experts from the University of Exeter collaborated with Supacat to design the H-ATMP, which replaces the traditional diesel engine with six electric motors, one attached to each wheel, and can be configured for full electric or hybrid versions.

The hybrid electric drive-train can be tailored and customised, depending on the mission, range, payload and operating environment that each vehicle will be used for.

Several commercial vehicle manufacturers have introduced electric drive trains into their SUVs and 4x4s, but electric and hybrid drive technology remains a novelty in the military sector, and particularly when engineered into a high mobility vehicle.

The H-ATMP can be parachute-dropped and amphibious, can deliver troops, carry up to 1,600 kg payload and haul artillery across rough terrain.

Chris Smith, an associate professor at the University of Exeter, said: “The H-ATMP has to be able to cover the most intimidating and adverse terrain, while drawing artillery and carrying troops around the battlefield.

"While it may seem that the technology is similar to electric SUV vehicles we see on the road, the reality is that is the H-ATMP will conquer rough terrain that would leave the best 4x4 stuck in the mud.”

The vehicle can also act as a power hub for field hospitals or communication systems, and because the electric vehicles emit little noise or heat, the vehicle is stealthy on the battlefield.

As an 'optionally manned' vehicle, it will be able to drive itself over complex terrains while the driver can conduct other tasks or place themselves in a safer location for more dangerous operations, or it can be linked to a higher level mission planning tool to create an autonomous ‘system of systems’, which will help meet the many potential users’ aspirations for safety improvements, enhanced mobility or reduced manning in the future.

Earlier this year, major general Jez Bennett with the British Army, told the International Armoured Vehicles Conference & Exhibition of plans to invest a further £100 million in novel technologies, such as hybrid electric drives, next year.

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