American automotive firm Atlis Motor Vehicles has signed an agreement with a US military supplier to design and manufacture a cutting-edge technology to convert conventional military vehicles into electric vehicles.
As part of the deal, the company will develop a fully electric XP platform for light to medium multi-purpose gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
The platform will be combined with the supplier’s “extensive experience” in the design and production of military-grade equipment for the US Army.
According to Atlis Motor Vehicles, the XP is a stand-alone medium to heavy-duty electric platform that currently serves as the base of the 500-mile electric ATLIS XT pickup. It is reportedly the only full-suite solution to converting traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Additionally, the platform boasts a “plug-and-play” modular system, two identical modular drive systems, four traction motors, independent suspension, drive-by-wire technology, and an Atlis battery pack.
“The XP platform is the basis to create a variety of emissions-free vehicles that can achieve the same performance characteristics of petroleum-powered products needed by the armed forces,” Atlis Motor Vehicles Chief Executive Officer Mark Hanchett explained.
Once development is complete, the technology can be sold to third-party customers, including the US and international allies.
All-Electric Vehicle Fleet
Atlis’ move to produce a state-of-the-art platform comes after the US Army released its climate strategy to slash carbon emissions by fielding an all-electric fleet of light-duty non-tactical vehicles by 2027.
Army official Paul Farnan revealed that the service has begun phasing out fuel-burning vehicles and mandated that all new purchases for the Army Materiel Command must prioritize all-electric vehicles.
US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks asserted that transitioning the defense department’s massive fleet of 170,000 non-tactical vehicles to electric will mostly depend on America’s auto industry.
Atlis Motor Vehicles echoed Hicks’ statement, stressing that electrification of military vehicles will not only address climate change but boost the US defense and technology sector while achieving operational advantages.
“Atlis and the supplier believe their joint development work will be able to supply technology to electrify military fleets with longer-range, faster charging, fully-capable vehicles,” the company said.