Volcon Inc. announced the signing of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC). Volcon believes this collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of electric vehicle (EV) technology for both civilian and military applications.
Under the terms of this CRADA, Volcon and ERDC will collaborate on research and development efforts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of electric vehicles, with a focus on creating dual-use products that benefit both warfighters and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in their support of emergency services disaster response.
Key objectives of this collaboration include:
- Energy management: Volcon will provide technical expertise to improve energy management in electric vehicles, including measurement, monitoring, range extension and export power processes and procedures.
- Compatibility with microgrid technology: The collaboration will work to ensure compatibility with emerging microgrid and electrical infrastructure technologies to create scalable solutions that enhance the adaptability of off-road EVs.
- Enhanced tactical ground vehicles: Volcon aims to develop enhanced tactical ground vehicle applications to support soldiers and emergency responders in their missions.
- Government fleet electrification: The collaboration aligns with the 2022 U.S. Army Climate Strategy and Executive Order 14057, supporting government fleet electrification from the present through 2050.
This agreement represents a significant step toward addressing known challenges in the EV sector, such as remote tactical recharging, vehicle-to-grid and microgrid charging, and it looks to maximize power efficiency while reducing reliance on traditional fuel-based energy generation.
By working together with ERDC, Volcon aims to create scalable EV solutions that benefit federal, state and local governments, as well as the Department of Defense (DoD). This collaboration embodies the spirit of the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 and Army Regulation 70-57, which encourage the private sector to leverage federally funded technology developments for the betterment of the U.S.
“We are very excited to be working with the Army Corps. We believe that their decades of experience in engineering solutions for the battlefield will bear real fruit for Volcon in the commercial markets. This agreement is crafted in a way that mutually benefits the parties by creating real-world solutions and product features that can be monetized in the future”, said Jordan Davis, Volcon CEO. “On the one hand, we get to play a real role in benefiting the warfighter and humanitarian efforts where our electric vehicles can play a role, all while harvesting technology that may be deployed to commercial segments as well.”
Volcon ePowersports is excited about the potential this collaboration holds for the future of the company, electric vehicle technology in general and its broader applications. Together with ERDC, the company looks forward to advancing the state of the art in EV technology and contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future.
