IRVINE, CA --- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. said it is developing and shipping diesel hybrid vehicles to the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center's national automotive center. 

The project is receiving funding support through the U.S. Special Operations Command and project administration through Alion. Quantum developed the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV), a diesel hybrid electric vehicle designed for missions involving reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting. 

The CERV design incorporates Quantum Q-Force, which is a new all-wheel-drive diesel hybrid electric powertrain. Quantum designed a lightweight chassis, integrated the Q-Force diesel hybrid electric powertrain, performed a series of vehicle performance and safety tests, and built a total of six hybrid vehicles as part of this program. 

This vehicle has a torque rating that exceeds 5,000 foot-pounds, can maintain a speed of 80 miles per hour, and ascend 60-percent grades. The Q-Force hybrid powertrain can reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 percent compared with a conventional vehicle, helping to significantly reduce the carbon footprint. CERV is up-fitted with a weapons ring that Quantum designed to enable higher fire power for the platform. 

"I am excited about our next-generation diesel hybrid powertrain technologies and our new military special operations vehicle that is well-positioned to create another highly fuel-efficient and powerful platform that improves the military's tactical capabilities," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum. 

In 2008 Quantum introduced a gasoline plug-in-hybrid drive known as the "Q-Drive" in the Fisker KARMA 4-door sports sedan. Fisker Automotive, the car company that was co-founded by Quantum and Henrik Fisker, was awarded a $528.7 million loan by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and manufacture plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the Fisker Karma.