Electric Vehicle Demonstration at Weston-super-Mare Beachfront
The SC Innovation demonstration proved the prototype e-ATMP’s towing capability conveying a D-Class boat over the pebble beach in both crewed and teleoperated modes. The 6×6 vehicle can tow a range of small boats – the base vehicle for e-ATMP is the company’s All-Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) `workhorse`, capable of hauling payloads up to 1600kg over demanding terrain.
e-ATMP offers a variety of low carbon options, from battery electric to hybrid power for extended range. It uses a common hybrid electric drivetrain with six electric motors attached to each wheel, each of which can be customised through different powering options depending on the task, range, payload and operating environment.
The prototype e-ATMP is the product of an Innovate UK-supported Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Devon based SC Innovation and The University of Exeter to develop electric drive for off highway and teleoperated vehicles.
The RNLI is collaborating with a broad range of organisations to support the development of alternatives to fossil fuelled vehicles and vessels as part of its Sustainable Decarbonisation Plan and to ensure that it is well prepared for future capability requirements.
SC Innovation previously collaborated with the RNLI to jointly develop the Shannon Class Launch & Recovery Vehicle.
Toby Cox, SC Innovation, said: “Following the trial at RNLI Weston super Mare, we believe the e-ATMP’s versatility, the electric drive train and teleoperation capability offer a fully rounded boat towing solution for a variety of conditions, and acts as a spring board for developing a carbon neutral small craft launch and recovery capability”.
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