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US Army to test electric vehicles as part of smart grid

The REV vehicles are based on Ford Escapes and F150s

The US Army has ordered four all-electric APVs from Canadian firm Rapid Electric Vehicles as part of a micro grid testing program at Wheeler Air Base, Hawaii.

This spring, three REV 300ACXs and one REC 300AZX will be provided to test out a micro grid that will use power sources including renewable energy.

The light-duty fleet vehicles are based, respectively, on the Ford Escape and Ford 150 platforms.

Propelled by a 125kW permanent magnet AC motor, the vehicles boast networked energy storage systems.

Vancouver-based REV said working as part of the micro grid at the base, parked vehicles can even provide the energy storage component of smart grid system.

When connected up to their charging stations, the vehicles can help manage spikes in power demand at the base, damage to incoming power lines, or intermittent power sources like wind or solar power.

Energy security

The testing program is part of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC) Micro-Grid contract, which itself is part of the Department of Defense’s aim to boost the energy security of the military.

REV’s CEO, Jay Giraud, said: “This is an exciting partnership between REV, Honeywell and TARDEC, demonstrating a collaborative shift in recognizing electric vehicle technology as much more than just a transportation alternative.

“APV’s in fleet operations will play an important role in increasing the efficiency, sustainability and stabilization of our electricity grids,” added Mr Giraud.

REV is a subcontractor to Honeywell Aerospace on the project, working under three contracts to supply the vehicles, four 240V ChargePoint charging stations made by California firm Coulomb Technologies, as well as a 200kWh stationary energy storage facility using systems from Texas firm Valence Technology.

RJ Adleman, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for Austin-based Valence, said: “REV is an innovative leader within the electric vehicle market and Valence is proud to partner with them as they introduce their extremely versatile all electric vehicles.”