In recent years, cars with an electric power plant have become noticeable. In this regard, the emergence of electric vehicles, originally intended for the armies, was obvious and expected. An interesting version of an army electric vehicle in 2017 was presented by the American company Nikola Motor Company. Based on modern ideas and components, she has developed the Reckless UTV multipurpose buggy.
Consistent development
Nikola Motor Company was founded in 2014 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since its inception, the company has developed and presented a number of promising electric vehicles of all kinds. One such example was the Nikola NZT, a lightweight multi-purpose SUV. Subsequently, it became the platform for the creation of the army vehicle Reckless UTV (Utility Tactical Vehicle).
The military design retains a lot of features and components of the basic design. At the same time, the design was modified in accordance with the characteristic requirements of military operation. Added devices for mounting military-grade weapons and communications equipment. Some other changes have also been made.
In its proposed form, Nikola Reckless is a four-wheel drive lightweight car with an open body, equipped with an all-electric power plant. The vehicle can carry up to four people, including the driver, as well as their weapons or comparable cargo. The favorable combination of high performance on all surfaces and positive features of an electric power plant is expected to be of interest to buyers.
Design features
Buggy Nikola Reckless UTV has a close to traditional design. At the same time, the use of electrical units led to the appearance of an original layout. At the front and rear of the frame are two compact engine compartments, between which is the cab. The volume under the cab floor is used to house the batteries. All electrical appliances are insulated, which allows them to work in different conditions, including in water.
The power plant is based on a set of lithium-ion batteries providing 125 kWh. The batteries are charged from an available source using a cable and a standard machine connector. It is also possible to use a removable solar battery of limited power. Charging takes 2 to 19 hours, depending on the hardware used.
With the help of a set of instruments, electricity is converted and supplied to four separate electric motors with a total power of 590 hp. When braking, motors can be used to generate power and recharge batteries. Each engine is connected to its own wheel by means of a simple transmission in the form of a shaft with hinges. At the request of the driver, a 4x4 or 2x4 wheel arrangement can be realized.
Both axles of the buggy received independent wishbone suspension with spring damping. Provides suspension travel of 18 inches (457 mm). The machine is equipped with four wheels with a diameter of 35 inches (889 mm). The front axle is steered. The tires are reinforced with Kevlar.
Nikola Reckless has a four-seater open-top cockpit. The cabin has received safety arches and can be equipped with side doors. The driver's seat is equipped with the necessary controls and multifunctional LCD displays. With the help of the steering wheel, the driver directly controls the steering of the front wheels. Control over the operation of four engines is carried out by means of appropriate devices that redistribute electricity in accordance with the driver's commands.
Three passengers are seated next to and behind the driver. There is a cargo shelf above the rear engine compartment. The payload reaches 570 kg. It is possible to tow a trailer with a mass of at least 1300 kg. Installation of an electric winch is foreseen.
The Reckless UTV electric vehicle is intended for the army, and therefore can be equipped with weapons. The prototype was equipped with several machine guns. One of the installations was placed on a bracket on a safety arc. The front passenger and left rear seats have devices for attaching two more machine guns. The ammunition load of the experienced Reckless was placed on the cargo area with flexible arms fed to the machine guns.
Other weapon configurations are possible depending on the wishes of the customer. It is also possible to install various additional equipment corresponding to the tasks of the machine.
The total length of the Reckless UTV electric buggy is about 4 m. The width and height are just over 1.8 m. The curb weight is 2890 kg. The maximum speed is declared at 95 km / h, the cruising range is up to 320 km. The use of a direct wheel drive provides good dynamic characteristics. Massive batteries shift the center of gravity downward and improve stability. The sealing of electrical units allows you to overcome fords up to 1 m deep. An important feature of an electric vehicle is its low noise when driving.
Looking for a customer
Nikola Motor Company first unveiled its new Reckless UTV project in December 2017. In February 2018, the first public demonstration of an experienced buggy took place at one of the American exhibitions. Later, the car was shown several more times to specialists and the public. It has attracted attention, and this allows the developer to anticipate the first orders.
Armies of different countries can act as customers. Light vehicles capable of carrying several people and some cargo may be of interest to special forces or other similar structures designed to solve special problems. Nowadays, buggies are used as a light patrol vehicle for working in difficult conditions away from the leading edge.
Thus, the Nikola Reckless UTV car corresponds to the current concept, which allows it to enter the market and wait for orders. At the same time, an electric car has characteristic advantages and disadvantages that can interest or scare away the buyer. A machine with electric powertrains can outperform or lag behind conventional combustion engines.
One of the main advantages of an electric vehicle is the quietness of its engines. This feature dramatically reduces the likelihood of detecting a vehicle and its crew, which can be useful in various circumstances. Special vehicle layout and powerplant architecture can improve cross-country ability and other performance.
The main disadvantages of the Reckless UTV are also related to the electric power plant. A system with batteries and four separate motors is significantly more expensive than traditional internal combustion engines and transmissions. The limitations imposed by battery parameters negatively affect the range. In addition, the car turns out to be much heavier, and a substantial part of the carrying capacity is spent on transporting heavy batteries.
Machine of the future
Nikola Motor Company is currently accepting orders for its electric vehicles of various models, including the Army Reckless buggy. The cost and delivery time have not yet appeared in open sources. Apparently, such features of future contracts will be determined in the course of negotiations with specific customers.
However, there are data on other samples. Thus, the Nikola NZT car, which served as the basis for the Reckless UTV, after the start of serial production will cost at least $ 80,000, depending on the configuration. The production of NZT machines is scheduled to begin in 2021. It can be assumed that a military buggy will not be significantly cheaper than a civilian vehicle and will not go into production before it.
Thus, if the new Nikola Reckless UTV electric car goes into production for the supply of one or another army, it will not happen today or tomorrow. However, this can hardly be considered a problem. The development company has a serious margin of time for further development of the project before the launch of the series. If used wisely over the next few years, the Reckless could be the first electric vehicle in its class to find its way into the military.
