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The end of the combustion engine for military vehicles?

Adapting the architecture of vehicles

In light of the "EcoCamp" project planned for 2025 and the energy transition of military camps that is being initiated within our armies, Arquus must adapt its architectures to minimise the energy footprint, while gaining in operational performance.

Thus, the energy transition of military vehicles is at work both in their design and in their operational use, even up to their dismantling.

Moteur Hybride Griffon Arquus

Model of the Griffon hybrid engine

Engine developments

Etienne Chavy, head of innovation - energy at Arquus, explained the evolution of our armoured vehicle engines:

The engines used by Arquus are already predisposed for biofuels, which is a first step towards reducing C02 emissions. Hybridization, the second pillar in the evolution of Arquus engines, brings interesting gains in consumption on a vehicle like the Scarabee and should bring even greater gains on vehicles like the Griffon.

The announced disappearance of combustion engines is a challenge and an opportunity to go even further in energy optimisation. For small vehicles of less than 5 tonnes, we will be able to count on the residual production for some time, especially as volumes remain low compared to those of the mass market car.

Transmission Volvo Full électrique

Volvo Full Electric Transmission

The end of the combustion engine?

However, our experts continue to use their knowledge to develop a fully electric powertrain to be ready when the combustion engine stops. Larger vehicles will benefit from the combustion engine, which will continue to exist for vehicles operating in environments with a sparse refuelling network. Finally, the internal combustion engine may see a resurgence in interest with e-fuel or direct hydrogen combustion.