Enova Systems, which develops electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems, has received a contract from Mack Truck for the development of a heavy-duty hybrid drive system for the Air Force’s diesel-electric hybrid R11 refueler vehicle.

The dual-use parallel hybrid drive system for the refueler is being developed in a joint effort between Mack and Enova for a program led by the Southwest Research Institute.
Enova, with headquarters in Torrance, Calif., will develop and manufacture the motor controller, electric motor and battery management systems for the new parallel hybrid drive system using Mack Trucks' MD11 diesel engine. The new parallel hybrid vehicle program is part of the Air Force's efforts to improve efficiency, reduce fuel and maintenance costs, provide re-generative brake energy and reduce emissions. The refueler fleet consists of about 300 vehicles, with the potential for additional upgrades to the parallel hybrid drive system.
As part of the program, Mack Trucks will also evaluate the applicability of the drive system to commercial vehicles, commencing with its Class 8 Refuse Hauler. Mack Trucks currently produces 3,000 refuse vehicles a year for major customers such as Waste Management.