Armored Vehicles Converted To Plug-In Hybrid

California’s strict diesel idling regulations, which prohibit idling the engine for more than five minutes, is problematic in some applications like armored security vehicles.

Companies are looking for a new solution (and of course electrification) to be able to met regulations.

North American Repower and Efficient Drivetrains announced a demonstration project with six Class-5 armored trucks, which will be converted to natural gas PHEVs.

Press release promises tremendous potential for commercial viability of the project, although in the beginning the project will be supported by the California Energy Commission, who approved a $3 million grant award from its Energy Research and Development Division (matching $3 million in private investment).

"Two global leaders in developing and manufacturing advanced transportation vehicles have teamed up to manufacture a first-of-its-kind fleet of Class-5 armored vehicles that combine the benefits of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and zero emission Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) technology.

North American Repower—California’s leading natural gas engine management and conversion technology company— and Efficient Drivetrains, Inc.—a global leader in developing high-efficiency Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle solution—will convert a fleet of six 26,000 pound, Class-5 medium-duty armored vehicles operated by Sectran Security into PHEV vehicles that run on electricity and renewable natural gas—known as “Zero Emission with Range Extension” vehicles. The collaboration supports the dramatic acceleration in California toward a zero emissions environment.

Today, the Sectran Security trucks make frequent stops as part of their highly congested urban routes. At each stop, the engines are kept idling for security purposes, but now risk violating California’s strict diesel idling regulations, which prohibit idling the engine for more than five minutes. With the modernized trucks, Sectran can completely eliminate engine idling by operating in all-electric mode during stop-and-go operations on urban routes and in hybrid-mode during highway operations. When complete, the vehicles possess impressive performance statistics—the demonstration trucks will enable Sectran to reduce annual diesel consumption by 31,000+ gallons, significantly reduce annual fuel costs, and reduce emissions by 99.9 percent."

John Reed, CEO of NAR said:

“We’re excited to be partnering with EDI on this breakthrough innovation. We believe integrating our renewable natural gas system with EDI’s PHEV technology will enable fleet managers to quickly move from petroleum-based fuels to domestically available, cleaner-burning natural gas and electricity. We’re particularly excited to be demonstrating this technology in a vehicle that by its very nature requires exceptional reliability in a high security environment.”

Joerg Ferchau, CEO of EDI said:

“The integration of NAR’s natural gas conversion technology with EDI’s high-efficiency PHEV solutions is extremely valuable to the marketplace as it extends options available to commercial fleet operators as they look to green their fleets and comply with California’s emissions reduction requirements. Our partnership enables organizations to focus on their immediate need to comply with regulations, while also benefitting from reduced fuel costs and full vehicle performance.”