The world premiere of the new Tatra Force e-Drive Hybrid 8x8 occurred at the Prague Exhibition Centre in Letňany in November during the e-Salon 2024 trade fair. It is the latest addition to Tatra's growing family of e-Drive vehicles, featuring various alternative drive systems.

On the first day of the e-Salon 2024 trade fair in Prague, Radomír Smolka, a member of the Tatra Trucks Board of Directors responsible for research and development, and Jakub Pončík, the carmaker's director of research and development, unveiled a new vehicle with a parallel plug-in hybrid drive. Developed by the oldest Czech carmaker, the vehicle was presented to experts, media, and the public. It is based on the latest third generation of the Tatra Force model range, which, among other accolades, received this year's Red Dot design award.

The presented four-axle truck, featuring a new electronic architecture, also introduced the latest basic version of the Tatra Force cab. This version is a shortened four-door variant accommodating a crew of six, with four seats, including the driver, in the first row and two seats in the second row. The cab includes advanced safety features, a digital dashboard with modern ergonomics, a roof hatch, air conditioning, heating, and electric window controls. The vehicle's payload capacity is 22 tonnes, and its total weight can reach up to 38 tonnes.

"The hybrid drive system combines our Tatra air-cooled eight-cylinder diesel engine, an electric motor, a multi-speed fully automatic transmission with a hydrodynamic converter, and a traction battery. It is integrated into our standard chassis with a central support tube and independently suspended swinging semi-axles with air suspension. This configuration required no special chassis modifications. The combination of an internal combustion diesel engine and an electric motor with a traction battery provides several operating modes and reduces harmful emissions during operation," explained Radomír Smolka.

The hybrid system incorporates a Tatra eight-cylinder air-cooled engine with electronic control, delivering 300 kW of power and a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm. It is directly coupled to a Danfoss EM-PMI375-T1100 permanent magnet synchronous motor (SRPM) that produces a continuous output of 300 kW, a peak output of 500 kW, and a torque of 2,400 Nm. This setup is connected to an Allison 4900 fully automatic seven-speed transmission and a Tatra downshift gearbox through a connecting shaft (gimbal) mounted in the central support tube of the vehicle chassis. The vehicle also features an LTO-type traction battery with a capacity of 89 kWh. The drive train includes axle and inter-axle differentials, with the axles equipped with a new reduction system, known as the "right planet."

"Our new hybrid Tatra can operate using only the electric motor, offering a range of up to 70 km. Alternatively, it can run solely on the internal combustion engine or combine the internal combustion engine and electric motor in parallel. In the electric motor mode with a traction battery, the vehicle enables locally clean, emission-free operation. In the combined mode, the combustion engine, electric motor, and traction battery offer an extended range," said Jakub Pončík, elaborating on the operational versatility of the new product.

Additionally, operation using the electric motor and traction battery ensures quieter functionality and a significantly lower heat footprint, making it harder to detect with infrared sensors. These capabilities are increasingly sought after by military users and security forces. Vehicles with such propulsion systems can serve as logistical transporters for ammunition, personnel, or supplies in high-risk areas or near combat zones. They can also be effectively used as bases for combat systems requiring covert movement with minimal detection risks. Another advantage of hybrid propulsion is its ability to supply sufficient electrical power for on-board and external equipment, which traditional high-power alternators cannot manage. The system also functions as an independent electrical central station.

For military applications, the Tatra Force e-Drive Hybrid platform can be fitted with armored cabs in two- or four-door configurations. Tatra Trucks is also developing an automated steering system with remote control capabilities for the Force series vehicles. Combined with the hybrid drive system and, for example, reconnaissance and surveillance drones, this innovation opens new possibilities for the deployment and use of vehicles from the Kopřivnice-based automaker in the defense sector.