Tatra presented its first ever hybrid. It can also be charged from a socket, it can travel up to 70 kilometers purely on electricity. The company believes that it will also find application in the military, thanks to the fact that it is harder to see on thermal cameras.
Hybrid Tatra expands the Force e-Drive family, in which the Kopřivnica car company includes cars with alternative drive systems. The new prototype uses a parallel plug-in hybrid drive to drive. It was presented at the eSalon trade fair last week embedded in a four-axle flatbed with a four-door cabin for a crew of six.
The company believes that the heavy hybrid truck will find application where it is suitable, that it can move partially noiselessly. It can also be an interesting vehicle for armies, it is harder to see on thermal cameras.
“The hybrid system weighs approximately 1.5 tons, of which only the battery itself weighs a ton. This Tatra thus has a payload of 22 tons, weighing a total of 38 tons,” he describes for Hospodářské noviny Jakub Pončík, director of research and development.
It uses a diesel air-cooled eight-cylinder engine with an output of 300 kW and 2100 Nm supported by an electric motor, also with an output of 300 kW, which, if necessary, generates up to 500 kW for a short time and reaches a torque of 2400 Nm.
Only behind the engine and electric motor is the seven-speed automatic gearbox connected, and via the shaft also the downshift gearbox in the central support tube of the vehicle. Which, after all, is a concept that Tatra has been using practically since its foundation.
The vehicle has a traction battery with a capacity of 89 kWh stored behind the cab. The chassis with independently suspended swing semi-axles with air suspension has not changed in any way.
Hybrid Tatra moves in different driving modes. It can travel up to 70 kilometers purely on electricity, but it can combine both engines or rely purely on the eight-cylinder diesel engine. Thanks to recuperation, excess energy is stored in the battery.
According to representatives of the brand, the most attractive thing about it in electric mode is its quiet operation and, above all, the fact that it has a lower thermal footprint. “This is of course attractive for military purposes. For thermal cameras, a Tatra moving in electric mode is harder to record, the electric motor does not generate as much heat as a conventional diesel engine,” adds Jan Pícha, head of the electronics department at Tatra Trucks.
The components the vehicle needs to cool the powertrain are located behind the cabin and shine through the grille. On the right side you can see the servo, air conditioning compressor and air compressor. “We chose components that can safely withstand dust, damp, frosty and hot environments,” explains chief designer Pončík.
Some components are shared by the hybrid with the hydrogen prototype, such as the air conditioning compressor, or it is a different type, but from the same manufacturer.
On the other side of the car, there is a charging port near the footboard. The hybrid Tatra is charged with a power of 22 kW, has a classic CCS2 connector and, according to representatives of the brand, charging to full capacity takes about four hours.
Even though the “octagon” was seen in Letňany, Tatra wants to build the hybrid drive into other types as well. “We also see potential in smaller vehicles, for example 4×4. And of course both in the civilian sector and in the military, with the fact that the civilian sector can use them, for example, in city centers, where only emission-free operation will be allowed,” explains HN Chief Designer Pončík .
The vehicle will arrive in the center, where it will move in purely electric mode, beyond the city limits, the internal combustion engine will be connected again. It has a very wide radius of operation, with a full battery and diesel tank it can travel a total of approximately 600 to 800 kilometers.
Pončík admits that Tatra is already negotiating with potential clients, but outside of Europe. He does not say how much the hybrid model should cost. “It makes a big difference if the customer were to order just one model or, for example, ten vehicles, then the price of the electrical components for us varies by tens of percent,” he explains.
In Tatra, they are now simultaneously working on the development of two more models with alternative drives. “The next one is a vehicle with a range extender, i.e. with a three-liter internal combustion engine that meets the Euro 6 standard, which will be connected to a generator. It will recharge the battery, so electricity will power the drivetrain,” explains Pončík.
Tatra should introduce this type in the first or second quarter of next year. The purely battery-powered vehicle, for the development of which the Kopřivnice car company is using a subsidy program, should be presented in mid-2025.
Pončík reminds that the demand for such models also comes from the military sector. “It’s definitely a trend, we see it in our competition as well. Zero-emission or partially electrified models are seen more and more in the cargo sector and are of interest to the military for the reasons I’ve already mentioned. Their heat and noise footprint is many times lower,” concludes Pončík.
Tatra’s Sneaky New Hybrid: A Military Marvel or Just Plain Sneaky?
Well, folks, hold onto your Tatra steering wheels because the company has just kicked open the door to a future where hybrid trucks can sneak in and out of places like they’re auditioning for a role in a military heist movie! Yes, Tatra has unveiled its first-ever hybrid truck that is not just a pretty face—it can also charge from a socket. That’s right, it can travel up to 70 kilometers on electricity alone. If you thought your Tesla was cool, wait until you see this beast in action.
Born from a Legacy of Strength
This new prototype is part of the Force e-Drive family and combines an eight-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor. You know, just your average day in the life of Tatra, which historically has been all about strength, power, and driving through anything that dares to get in its way. But this time, they’ve sprinkled a bit of hybrid magic over an already impressive lineup.
“The hybrid system weighs approximately 1.5 tons, of which only the battery itself weighs a ton.”
Okay, let’s break that down: a payload of 22 tons and a total weight of 38 tons. It’s like trying to carry your grocery bags in one hand while simultaneously dragging your lazy dog behind you. Good luck with that! But Tatra has managed to strike that balance between power and something that can run quietly—something that could come in handy when military personnel are trying to sneak up on unsuspecting opponents.
A True Stealth Machine
What really raises the eyebrows, though, is how this truck plays hide and seek. With the ability to travel quietly, the hybrid Tatra is harder to pick up on thermal cameras. Jan Pícha, from Tatra Trucks, explained it beautifully: “An electric motor does not generate as much heat as a conventional diesel engine.” So, it’s like having a ninja truck—wearing all black but without the awkward silence of a whisper-chef.
Charging into the Future
Now, let’s not forget about the charging! This hybrid Tatra can charge at a robust 22 kW, with a CCS2 connector that sounds fancy, but let’s be honest, it just means it plugs in like an overzealous iPhone user. And to fill the tank? About four hours, so throw a barbecue while you wait.
Adaptability—The Name of the Game
Tatra isn’t stopping with just this model; oh no, they see potential in smaller vehicles too! The team sees hybrids and electrification becoming essential, both for civilian and military applications. Imagine city centers filled with these silent beasts—double-tap your brakes, and suddenly you’ve left the gas station and entered stealth mode.
“The electric mode is quieter, and the thermal footprint is lower,” said Pončík—the chief designer, not the new kid on the block trying to sell you a used car.
Conclusion: Will it Fly or Just Fizzle?
As Tatra continues to negotiate with potential clients—mostly outside of Europe, might I add—we’re left asking, will this hybrid be the stealth savior the military never knew it needed, or will it just be an expensive piece of machinery sitting in a garage? And when they start rolling out the new models, will it be such a game-changer that they’ll have “golden ticket” orders coming out of the woodwork?
Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: Tatra has thrown down the gauntlet, and it’s electric.
In a groundbreaking move, Tatra has unveiled its inaugural hybrid vehicle, a remarkable innovation equipped with the capability to be charged from a standard electrical outlet. This vehicle boasts an impressive electric-only range of up to 70 kilometers, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Tatra envisions the hybrid truck not only for commercial use but also for military applications, as its design allows it to evade detection by thermal cameras, enhancing operational stealth.
Finding its place within the Force e-Drive family, Tatra’s new hybrid prototype features an advanced parallel plug-in hybrid drive system. This prototype was demonstrated at the prestigious eSalon trade fair last week, presented in a robust four-axle flatbed design complemented by a spacious four-door cabin that accommodates a crew of six.
The heavy-duty hybrid truck is expected to prove valuable in scenarios requiring reduced noise levels during operations, making it an appealing option for military forces. Its unique technology ensures reduced visibility on thermal imaging devices, which is a significant advantage for tactical missions.
“The hybrid system, which incorporates leading-edge technology, weighs around 1.5 tons, with the battery alone contributing a substantial one ton to that figure. As a result, this Tatra offers a remarkable payload capacity of 22 tons while maintaining a total weight of 38 tons,” elaborates Jakub Pončík, the director of research and development at Tatra, in an interview with Hospodářské noviny.
The hybrid utilizes a powerful diesel air-cooled eight-cylinder engine that produces 300 kW and an impressive torque of 2100 Nm, supported by an electric motor that also delivers 300 kW and can temporarily produce up to 500 kW, generating a torque of 2400 Nm when required.
Connected to this formidable engine setup is a seven-speed automatic gearbox, along with a downshift gearbox that operates via a central support tube—an innovative concept that Tatra has successfully utilized since its inception.
The vehicle is equipped with a robust traction battery boasting an 89 kWh capacity, conveniently located behind the cab. Its chassis, featuring independently suspended swing semi-axles with air suspension, remains unchanged from Tatra’s well-established engineering design.
Tatra’s hybrid truck operates using various driving modes, allowing it to navigate purely on electric power for up to 70 kilometers. Additionally, the vehicle can synergize both engines or operate solely on the reliable eight-cylinder diesel engine. Energy recovery technology ensures excess energy generated during driving is stored in the battery, enhancing efficiency.
According to Tatra representatives, the most compelling aspect of the vehicle in electric mode is its near-silent operation coupled with a significantly lowered thermal footprint, which is particularly advantageous for military use. “Operating in electric mode poses challenges for thermal cameras to detect the Tatra, as the electric motor significantly reduces heat generation compared to traditional diesel engines,” states Jan Pícha, head of the electronics department at Tatra Trucks.
Essential cooling components for the powertrain are strategically placed behind the cabin and visible through the vehicle grille. On one side, the air conditioning compressor and air compressor enhance the vehicle’s functionality. “We have selected components designed to withstand a range of environmental conditions, including dust, humidity, frost, and heat,” explains chief designer Pončík.
Many components of the hybrid model are shared with Tatra’s hydrogen prototype, including the air conditioning compressor, representing a commitment to broadening its alternative drive technology.
Located near the vehicle’s footboard, the charging port connects seamlessly for recharging. The hybrid Tatra supports charging at a rate of 22 kW using a conventional CCS2 connector, allowing for a full charge in approximately four hours, according to brand representatives.
While the initial prototype was showcased at the Letňany event, Tatra aims to integrate the hybrid drive system into additional models across its lineup. “We see significant potential in smaller configurations as well, such as 4×4 vehicles, targeting both the military and civilian sectors, especially in urban areas where zero-emission vehicles are becoming increasingly essential,” notes Chief Designer Pončík.
The hybrid vehicle will operate in electric mode in urban settings, seamlessly transitioning to the internal combustion engine outside city limits. With a full charge and a diesel tank, it boasts a remarkable operational radius of approximately 600 to 800 kilometers.
Pončík indicates that Tatra is actively engaged in discussions with potential international clients, although he refrains from disclosing specific details. The pricing of the hybrid model can vary significantly based on the order volume, as “the cost of electrical components can fluctuate by tens of percent depending on whether the customer orders one unit or several vehicles,” he explains.
Moreover, Tatra is concurrently developing two additional models with alternative drive systems. “The next vehicle will feature a range extender—a three-liter internal combustion engine meeting Euro 6 standards, connected to a generator to recharge the battery, powering the drivetrain,” Pončík elaborates.
Tatra plans to unveil this range-extending model in the first or second quarter of next year. Meanwhile, a fully battery-powered vehicle, developed with support from a subsidy program, is anticipated to debut by mid-2025.
Pončík highlights that the military sector is driving demand for such innovative models. “It’s a growing trend, evident in our competitors as well. There is a noticeable increase in interest for zero-emission or partially electrified models within the cargo sector, particularly for military applications where lower heat and noise emissions offer tactical advantages,” concludes Pončík.
Cially in urban environments,” adds Pončík, emphasizing their vision for the future of this technology.
### Future Prospects and Potential
Tatra’s hybrid truck represents a significant leap toward sustainable military operations and urban logistics. As the global demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions increases, the multifunctional capabilities of this vehicle could become crucial in diverse scenarios—ranging from tactical military deployments to urban deliveries that prioritize noise and emissions reduction.
Moreover, with advancements in predictive maintenance and connectivity features expected to be integrated into future models, Tatra could create vehicles that not only serve immediate transport needs but also ensure efficiency and longevity through data-driven insights.
### Conclusion
In a market that’s increasingly leaning towards electrification, Tatra’s hybrid offers a fresh take on vehicle design that maintains the rugged reliability the brand is known for while adapting to modern needs. Whether this hybrid becomes a staple in military logistics or civilian use remains to be seen, but one thing is evident—the future of heavy-duty transport is evolving, and Tatra is at the forefront of this revolution.
Stay tuned as we watch this innovative vehicle roll out into the field and see how it truly holds up against the expectations set by its impressive specifications and intriguing stealth capabilities.
