When an electrified Bushmaster rolled into an Army technology demonstration in 2022, it turned heads. What drew attention wasn’t the engine’s sound, but its absence. The familiar protected mobility vehicle (PMV) has been repowered with a hybrid electric drivetrain – part of a complete battery and systems integration solution – dramatically reducing its thermal and acoustic signature while boosting torque, speed, and range. Behind this transformation was 3ME Technology, a Newcastle-based company that has quietly become a critical force behind the electrification of Australia’s sovereign defence industry.
Founded in the mining-heavy Hunter region, 3ME Technology spent more than a decade refining high-performance lithium-ion battery systems for underground environments. Its proprietary BladeVOLT® battery system was first deployed in utility vehicles and 20-tonne loaders operating in hard rock mines, where failure is not an option. The battery’s edge lies in delivering safe, high-performance energy solutions for mission-critical environments, underpinned by proprietary IP.
From mining roots to military missions
3ME Technology’s Bushmaster prototype (StealthMASTER®) was developed with support from the Australian Army and Defence Science and Technology Group. The hybrid configuration included dual electric motors, 113 kWh of onboard storage, and a compact diesel range extender. The system delivered performance gains and greater operational flexibility. The vehicle could power external equipment for extended periods and move near-silently when needed – advantages in contested or remote environments.
This wasn’t just a technology demonstration, it reflected a deeper shift underway in how militaries think about logistics, sustainment, and energy independence. Military vehicles are increasingly expected to operate in low-signature and power-intensive environments, where hybridisation offers a viable path forward.
Powering the edge
3ME Technology is already extending beyond Australian land vehicles. In the US, Polaris integrated 3ME Technology’s EdgeVOLT® mobile power solution into its MRZR Alpha, a light all-terrain vehicle used by US special forces. The setup enables “silent watch” functionality, allowing onboard electronics to run without engine noise. Locally, 3ME Technology is involved in projects ranging from sub-sea vessels to battery-powered cargo drones, some backed by Australian Defence innovation programs.
This breadth of application reflects a design philosophy grounded in modularity and ruggedisation. Unlike consumer-grade batteries optimised for road performance, 3ME Technology’s systems are engineered to perform in unpredictable and high-risk conditions, where vibration, interference and thermal stress are constant threats.
Scaling Australia’s sovereign defence capability
With demand growing, 3ME Technology is scaling its manufacturing and deepening its industry engagement. A partnership with the Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF), a growth capital investor backed by the Federal Government and six leading banks, has brought strategic focus and greater financial discipline.
As global defence supply chains face pressure to reshore and the AUKUS alliance reshapes regional industry priorities, 3ME Technology is strategically positioning itself as Australia’s leader in specialised defence-grade battery systems.
Backing companies like 3ME Technology is central to ABGF’s mission: helping SMEs scale and deliver the critical sovereign capabilities Australia needs in priority areas of the economy. By investing in critical sectors such as defence, ABGF supports industrial resilience and ensures advanced technologies are developed and retained onshore.
To learn more about how ABGF can support your business’s next stage of growth, visit abgf.com.au.