Are Generators in mobile healthcare a thing of the past?

October 15, 2025

Not just yet… Generators are not a thing of the past for mobile medical units – at least not yet – but their role is evolving rapidly due to advances in technology and changing operational priorities.

Here’s a breakdown of the current landscape:

✅ Why Generators Are Still in Use

1. Reliable Off-Grid Power
   • Mobile medical units often operate in remote or disaster-stricken areas where grid power is unavailable or unreliable. Generators provide the necessary continuous power for:
     • Diagnostic equipment (X-ray, ultrasound)
     • Refrigeration (vaccines, blood)
     • Lighting, HVAC, and IT systems
2. High Power Demand
   • Some medical equipment draws a lot of power – more than what batteries or solar systems can reliably supply for long periods without massive setups.
3. Fuel Availability
   • In emergencies, diesel or gasoline is often easier to source quickly than specialized battery charging infrastructure.

Pictured above is the Audiology Sprinter Van we made for the Brother’s Brother Foundation. Since the unit’s specs included a wheelchair lift, there wouldn’t be enough room to install a generator and respective cabinet its kept in. Thankfully, the MEPS 8k under-the-hood generator and a 600-amp Victron battery system with auto start is more than capable when it comes to long-lasting and sustainable power.

Want to read more about this unit? Click here to view the article.

🔄 What’s Changing

1. Hybrid Systems (Generator + Battery + Solar)
   • Many modern mobile units now use hybrid setups where:
     • Generators run less frequently (just to top up batteries)
     • Battery storage systems handle most daily loads)
     • Solar panels supplement during the day
2. Battery Technology Advancements
   • Lithium-ion and LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are more:
     • Compact
     • Long-lasting
     • Efficient
     • So, for low to moderate-power units, all-electric is becoming more viable.
3. Noise, Emissions, and Regulations
   • Hospitals, urban deployments, and eco-sensitive zones are pushing for quieter, cleaner alternatives. Generators are noisy, emit fumes, and require regular maintenance.
4. Green Initiatives & Funding Trends
   • NGOs, governments, and disaster relief orgs are investing more in sustainable energy solutions, which is nudging the industry toward solar + battery systems.

🔋 So Are All-Electric Units the Future?

Yes – but not quite yet universal.

All-electric or hybrid-powered medical units are on the rise, especially in:

• Urban/accessible settings
• Temperate climates
• Low-power or preventative care use cases (e.g., mobile clinics, vaccine delivery)

But for high-power demand, remote, or emergency relief missions, generators remain crucial – though they’re being used more efficiently and sparingly thanks to hybrid tech.

Pictured above is a Command 3WS we made for the Municipal Water District of Orange County in Fountain Valley, CA. This unit has a hybrid-model power system consisting of a generator and a roof-mounted solar panel.

Want to read more about this unit? Click here to view the article.

📌 Summary

• Generators are still very much in use, especially in high-demand or remote scenarios.
• The trend toward hybrid or all-electric systems is driven by sustainability, technology, and quieter/cleaner operations.
• In the next 5-10 years, we may see a wider shift away from traditional generators – but for now, they’re still an essential part of the toolkit.