Ermine Lightweight Hybrid Vehicle Family, Germany

Ermine is a new small lightweight, tactical, and hybrid vehicle family designed by Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer.

The vehicle family comprises an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy (two-seater), and a quad bike, which are available in 4×4 and 6×6 configurations to meet diverse operational requirements.

The vehicles were initially developed by the Dutch start-up company REEQ, which was acquired by Rheinmetall in March 2024 and became a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland. The vehicles will undergo further development and will be manufactured in the Netherlands.

The customisable Ermine vehicles cater to a range of roles such as reconnaissance and communications, anti-tank operations, weapon transportation, medical evacuation, and generator use. These vehicles offer flexibility and adaptability in various mission scenarios.

Cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53 can transport up to four Ermine vehicles.

Ermine lightweight hybrid vehicle family design and features

The Ermine family features a modular design with a basic chassis available in different lengths and widths to accommodate the specific requirements of each vehicle type. The body structure enables limitless possibilities for mission modules and weapons systems.

The quad vehicle is 1.5m high, 2.55m long and 1.55m wide while the buggy measures 1.82m in height, 3.25m in length, and 1.7m in width. The UGV is 1.1m high, 2.55m long and 1.55m wide.

The quad and UGV offer a range of 1,000km while the buggy boasts a range of 1,200km.

Both the quad and the UGV have a dry weight of 875kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,375kg. The buggy has a dry weight of 1,100kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,600kg.

The vehicles have a top speed of up to 90km/h and are equipped with software that can seamlessly integrate with extensions, automatically detecting them upon connection.

Payload capacity of Ermine

The greater number of wheels on the Ermine vehicles increases traction, torque, and payload capacity. The 6×6 configuration, for example, allows for the transportation of payloads up to 1,000kg.

Propulsion capabilities of Ermine vehicles

All Ermine vehicles feature a series hybrid drivetrain, equipped with electric drive motors, featuring a 30kW motor per axle in a 4×4 configuration.

The quad and UGV are equipped with a 16kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, operating at 80V.  The buggy can be equipped with a 16kWh or 32kWh LFP battery, operating at 80V.

The torque of the electric engine provides the vehicles with unparalleled mobility enabling them to travel 50km through rugged terrain and up to 100km on the road.

The drivetrain is coupled with a diesel range extender, which guarantees a continuous energy supply for uninterrupted operations. The diesel engine meets Stage 5-34 emissions standards, ensuring reliable and efficient propulsion.

The diesel range extender enables the user can drive up to 1,000km immediately, even with an empty battery.

The Quad and UGV are equipped with a 70l diesel fuel tank. The buggy’s fuel tank can hold between 100l and 160l of diesel.

Mobility of Ermine vehicles

The Ermine vehicles can handle steep grades of up to 90% and slopes of up to 70%. They are capable of fording up to 500m and have a towing capacity exceeding 750kg. Furthermore, the vehicles can provide an additional ten hours of manoeuvring time.

The quad and buggy vehicles feature disc brakes and regenerative braking systems, while the UGV features regenerative braking and an electric mechanical stop.

All vehicles feature an independent front and rear double wishbone suspension system.

Ermine vehicle applications

The Ermine vehicle can serve as a next-generation mobile generator. It integrates tactical all-electric transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid) and is fully equipped for autonomous functionality.

If the vehicles are not utilised for tactical mobility, they can serve as a mobile energy source on the battlefield.