SBR TECH wins Michigan grant to adapt vehicle power tech for military use

SBR TECH received a Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant to adapt its vehicle-mounted hydraulic power generation system for military ground vehicles. The project aims to support battery charging and regulated electrical power in remote, infrastructure-limited environments, with Michigan-based development expected to finish in early 2027.

Why it matters: - Military vehicles are carrying more electrical systems, which increases demand for reliable onboard power. - SBR TECH’s project aims to reduce the need for separate generators by using existing vehicle hydraulic or power-take-off capacity. - The grant could help move a proven commercial technology into defense testing, demonstrations, and potential deployment.

What happened: - SBR TECH won a Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant to extend its vehicle-mounted hydraulic power generation technology into military applications. - The company announced the award on September 21, 2026. - SBR TECH is based in Reed City, Michigan.

The details: - SBR TECH currently makes onboard hydraulic generator systems for the fire apparatus industry. - The military version will support controlled DC battery charging and regulated AC power. - The system is designed to power mission equipment, communications systems, unmanned platforms, field maintenance, and other operational loads. - The technology converts a vehicle’s existing hydraulic or power-take-off capacity into regulated electrical power. - Mike Lieto, CEO of SBR TECH, said the company’s onboard power systems are meant to give warfighters reliable power and battery-charging capability without the added burden of a separate generator. - Lia Lipar, director of government business development and project lead at SBR TECH, said the project is focused on military integration, testing, and deployment. - Lipar said the company plans to validate the system against military vehicle requirements, demonstrate performance in relevant operating environments, and build a path to customer evaluations, pilot programs, and future production. - Development, integration, testing, and manufacturing-readiness work will happen in Michigan. - The effort will use SBR TECH’s Reed City facility and Michigan-based engineering and supply-chain partners. - The project is expected to be completed in early 2027. - After completion, SBR TECH expects military customer demonstrations and pilot deployment opportunities. - More information is available at SBR-TECH.com.

Between the lines: - The award signals state support for dual-use manufacturing that can move from commercial vehicles into defense applications. - SBR TECH is leaning on existing production experience in fire apparatus systems to shorten the path to military readiness. - Michigan remains central to the company’s development and supply chain strategy.

What's next: - SBR TECH will continue development and integration work in Michigan. - The company plans testing and manufacturing-readiness activities before early 2027 completion. - Military customer demonstrations and pilot deployments are expected after the project wraps.