Development of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle for the US Marine Corps

A series hybrid electric vehicle was designed and fabricated for the US Marine Corps and the US Army as a technology demonstrator and electric drive test bed. Known as the Joint Tactical Electric Vehicle (JTEV), it is intended to be a test mule for various electric drive components as they become technically and economically viable. The design was constrained by the specific requirements of the Marine Corps such as the ability to ford through the surf zone and to be internally stowable in a helicopter. Extremely high mobility and high speeds over rough terrain were also goals of the development program. These factors influenced the design of both the mechanical and electric systems, particularly in the areas of waterproofing, materials selection, vibration hardening and isolation of components. The suspension and chassis were designed to withstand the shock and vibration environment found in off-road racing while isolating the driver and the electric components from abuse.