Articles tagged with "hybrid-powertrain"
New electric VTOL aircraft for US military completes first flight
Joby Aviation announced the successful first flight of its new turbine-electric, autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft on November 7 at its Marina, California facility. This hybrid VTOL demonstrator builds on Joby’s existing electric air taxi platform by integrating a hybrid turbine powertrain and the company’s SuperPilot autonomous flight system. Designed to carry heavier payloads and achieve significantly longer ranges than all-electric models, the aircraft targets expanded commercial air taxi routes and military missions such as logistics, surveillance, and autonomous operations. The flight milestone follows Joby’s recent partnership with defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, which will equip the aircraft with sensors, communications, and mission systems for defense roles including contested logistics, loyal wingman, unmanned escort, and low-altitude support. This development aligns with the U.S. government’s growing investment—over $9 billion requested in the fiscal 2026 budget—for next-generation autonomous and hybrid aircraft to enhance unmanned and runway-independent capabilities. Job
energyautonomous-systemselectric-aircrafthybrid-powertrainVTOLmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesRheinmetall’s Amphibious Robot Can Go Where US Army Can’t
Rheinmetall’s Mission Master XT is a 2.2-ton autonomous amphibious unmanned ground vehicle designed to operate in extreme environments, from Arctic cold to desert heat. Equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain and self-inflating tires, it offers a range of up to 750 km and can continue moving even after tire damage. The vehicle integrates Rheinmetall’s PATH Autonomy Kit, enabling it to navigate difficult terrain, haul heavy loads, and perform combat tasks without direct human control. The Mission Master XT serves multiple battlefield roles, including delivering supplies, evacuating wounded soldiers, and engaging enemies with a mounted weapon system. Its amphibious capabilities and adaptability make it a versatile asset that extends the operational reach and resilience of modern militaries. Demonstrated in field operations with Norwegian and Nordic forces, the XT exemplifies the future of autonomous warfare—machines that operate alongside soldiers to enhance mission effectiveness rather than replace them.
robotautonomous-vehiclesmilitary-technologyhybrid-powertrainunmanned-ground-vehicleamphibious-robotbattlefield-roboticsPhotos: World's fastest EV? Dreame's Bugatti-inspired prototype makes debut - Interesting Engineering
Dreame Technology, a Chinese company known for robot vacuum cleaners, is entering the ultra-luxury electric vehicle (EV) market with a prototype inspired by the Bugatti Chiron. The company’s founder, Yu Hao, has announced this bold move, and Dreame’s EV unit recently launched an official Weibo account to share renderings and specifications of its first model. The prototype is set to debut globally at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the U.S. The design draws heavily from the Chiron, featuring a horseshoe grille, curved roofline, and C-shaped rear pillars. Notably, it includes four upward-swinging doors with rear-hinged rear doors and no B-pillar, creating an open-cabin effect that distinguishes it from traditional luxury sedans. The interior contrasts with the exterior’s Bugatti-inspired look by adopting a minimalist, high-tech design dominated by a large touchscreen dashboard and a two-spoke steering wheel with touch controls. Dreame plans
electric-vehiclesEV-technologyautomotive-innovationenergy-storagehybrid-powertrainsustainable-transportationelectric-mobilityFerrari 849 Testarossa debuts with 1,036 bhp hybrid powertrain
Ferrari has reintroduced the iconic Testarossa name with the new 849 Testarossa, a cutting-edge hybrid supercar unveiled in Milan that replaces the SF90 Stradale. This model combines a reworked 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 819 bhp with three electric motors, delivering a combined output of 1,036 bhp and 842 Nm of torque. The hybrid powertrain enables exceptional performance, including acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 330 km/h, positioning the 849 Testarossa among the fastest Ferraris ever made. It also offers a pure electric mode capable of driving up to 30 km at speeds of 130 km/h, operating as a front-wheel-drive vehicle powered by the twin front motors for quieter, emission-free driving. The 849 Testarossa features advanced active aerodynamics inspired by Ferrari’s racing heritage, including a rapidly adjusting central rear wing
energyhybrid-powertrainelectric-motorsplug-in-hybridautomotive-technologyaerodynamicsFerrariBriefcase-sized C15 engine to turn EVs into range-extended hybrids
UK-based Horse Powertrain has developed a compact 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine-generator called the C15, designed to convert battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) into range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). The C15 unit, no larger than a briefcase (50 × 55 × 28 cm), functions as a generator that runs at a steady rpm to charge the traction battery, rather than directly driving the wheels. It comes in two variants: a naturally aspirated Euro 7–compliant version delivering up to 70 kW (94 hp) for smaller European B- and C-segment cars, and a turbocharged 120 kW (161 hp) version for larger D-segment vehicles and light commercial vehicles. The system is designed for flexible installation in existing EV platforms with minimal modification, supports multiple fuels including gasoline, ethanol, methanol, and synthetic fuels, and aims to enable smaller battery packs to reduce vehicle weight and cost without sacrificing range. In addition
energyhybrid-powertrainrange-extenderelectric-vehiclesengine-generatorfuel-flexiblecompact-enginePhotos: BRABUS transforms Mercedes-AMG GT 63 into 1,000 hp supercar
The BRABUS 1000 is a high-performance hybrid supercar based on the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, delivering a combined system output of 1,000 horsepower. It features a newly developed exposed carbon fiber exterior designed for aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability, including front spoilers, canards, side attachments, and a rear diffuser with a BRABUS sports exhaust system. These components generate functional downforce to maintain stability at speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph), with an electronically limited top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph). Powertrain-wise, the BRABUS 1000 combines a 4.5-liter BRABUS V8 biturbo engine producing 796 hp with a 204 hp electric motor, achieving a peak torque of 1,620 Nm. The V8 engine is paired with a nine-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission and an intelligent 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, while the electric motor uses a two-speed
energyhybrid-powertraincarbon-fiberelectric-motorlithium-ion-batteryhigh-performance-vehiclesautomotive-materialsSouth Korea to get world's first hydrogen stealth tank from Hyundai
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, in collaboration with the Agency for Defense Development and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, has launched the development of the K3, the world’s first hydrogen-powered stealth main battle tank. Scheduled for production by 2040, the K3 represents a significant advancement over the current K2 Black Panther, featuring a hybrid powertrain that initially combines hydrogen and diesel before transitioning fully to hydrogen fuel cells. This shift aims to reduce acoustic and thermal signatures, enhancing stealth and operational endurance while marking a paradigm shift in mechanized warfare mobility and survivability. The K3 is equipped with a 130mm smoothbore main gun on an unmanned turret, supported by an AI-enhanced fire control system capable of autonomous target tracking and engagement, enabling preemptive strikes in networked combat environments. It also carries multi-purpose anti-tank guided missiles with ranges up to 8 kilometers and a remote weapons station for close defense. Crew survivability is enhanced through a low-profile hull
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellshybrid-powertrainmilitary-technologyautonomous-targetingAI-fire-controlstealth-technologyAmerican supercar packs 1200-hp engine, switchable EV system
The Oilstainlab HF-11 is a new American supercar set to debut in 2025, combining hypercar-level performance with innovative drivetrain flexibility. Limited to just 25 units, the HF-11 features two mid-mounted flat-six engine options: a 4.6-liter producing 600 horsepower and a more powerful 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged variant delivering 1,200 horsepower with an extraordinary 12,000 RPM redline. Both engines are paired with rear-wheel drive and lightweight construction, emphasizing driver engagement and dynamic handling. The car’s design draws inspiration from iconic models like the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Valkyrie, aiming to rival legendary supercars such as the Porsche Carrera GT and Gordon Murray’s T.50. In addition to its internal combustion engines, Oilstainlab is developing an all-electric version of the HF-11 with an estimated 850 horsepower. A unique feature of the HF-11 is the ability to switch between ICE and EV
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-powertraininternal-combustion-enginesupercarautomotive-technologyhigh-performance-materialsToyota’s new hypercar runs on liquid hydrogen, debuts at Le Mans
Toyota has unveiled its new hydrogen-powered hypercar, the GR LH2 Racing Concept, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, signaling a significant advancement in hydrogen combustion technology for motorsport. Building on last year’s GR H2 Concept, the GR LH2 features a hybrid powertrain that combines hydrogen combustion with electric hybrid technology, likely sharing design elements with the successful GR010 Hybrid racecar. The vehicle sports a more aggressive aerodynamic design, including smaller LED headlights, redesigned side intakes, a taller rear wing, and a pronounced fin, while maintaining a similar greenhouse to the GR010. Measuring 5,100 mm long and 2,050 mm wide, the GR LH2 aims to deliver strong track performance and demonstrate hydrogen’s viability in endurance racing. This new hypercar is part of Toyota’s broader “multi-pathway” strategy toward a carbon-neutral future, which includes battery-electric vehicles, hybrids, carbon-neutral fuels, and hydrogen-powered systems. Toyota’s continued investment in hydrogen technology extends beyond
energyhydrogen-fuelhybrid-powertrainToyotahydrogen-combustioncarbon-neutralautomotive-technology