Banks Delivers Diesel Hybrid to Army

12 Dec 2023 — Banks Power, Azusa, CA, working under contract for the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), delivers the first successful hybrid High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or “Humvee”) for the Army to conduct comprehensive testing. Tasked with upgrading a stock HMMWV, Banks improved acceleration and range while upgrading and extending capabilities.

The primary purpose of this effort is to integrate hybrid electric capabilities into a HMMWV and demonstrate the feasibility of modern vehicle electrification technologies. This effort aims to future-proof this previously antiquated platform by supporting future weapon systems, providing export power capable of running mobile tactical operation centers, and reducing the Army’s reliance on fossil fuels. With our state-of-the-art propulsion unit, vehicle control unit, and high-speed transmission, the system exceeds the Army’s onboard and export power goals.

Following the design, manufacture, and dynamometer testing at Banks’ campus, performance and validation tests were conducted at a nearby speedway. Performance improvements were demonstrated on the dragstrip and circle track. The results exceeded the requirements for acceleration, range, and braking, in both Hybrid and Full Electric Vehicle or “EV” modes of operation. The Army will test the HMMWV’s capabilities and effectiveness for Soldiers’ requirements.

In early 2022, Banks Power, a small business, was awarded the pivotal contract by the U.S. Army. The Azusa, California high-performance engine design and manufacturing firm was selected after competing with several well-known traditional defense contractors.

Stay tuned for a full-length video detailing the technology found in this advanced HMMWV and why Banks chose a very specific diesel hybrid configuration.