A number of pre-production prototypes that incorporate Q-Force have been developed and built for testing and evaluation by selected commands to assess mission suitability, supportability, performance objectives, and guidance on final vehicle configuration.
In one configuration, the diesel engine produces 75 horsepower, the electric motor, 133 horsepower, and the powertrain yields 5,463 foot-pounds of torque after gear reduction. Features of Q-Force include: Sophisticated System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, incorporating Quantum Fuel Systems’ proprietary algorithms; Hybrid control system that minimizes battery size through optimized charge controls and regenerative braking; Optimized engine operation/calibration and generator performance; and Advanced traction motor/transmission system.
Alan P. Niedzwiecki, president and chief executive officer of Quantum Fuel Systems said: “Our innovative diesel hybrid electric all-wheel drive system provides high performance, acceleration and extended range, resulting in significant advantages for the U.S. Army in communications, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance missions. We believe that Quantum’s Q-Force drivetrain is also very well-suited for commercial applications including homeland security, border patrol, park service operations, and light-duty automobiles.”
In 2008, Quantum Fuel Systems introduced a gasoline plug-in-hybrid electric drive known as Q-Drive in the Fisker KARMA 4-door sports sedan. Fisker Automotive, a Green American car company co-founded in 2007 by Quantum Fuel Systems and Henrik Fisker, was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for a low interest loan of $528.7 million, under the advanced technology vehicle manufacturing loan program.
