16 May 2023
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British Army Land Rovers will be part of a new trial examining electric power for UK military vehicles
: credit: © Babcock
Babcock International, a defence company, has been awarded a one-year contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to help the British Army understand the Defence application and constraints of electric propulsion
Partnering with EV specialist Electrogenic, Babcock will convert four in-service military Land Rovers – two protected armoured vehicles and two general service models, from diesel to electric power using a drop-in kit and modified battery system.
The vehicles will then be put to the test by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) in a series of experimental battlefield/military scenarios, which will assess performance over steep terrain, wading and towing, and varying climate-related conditions.
With sales of new diesel and petrol cars to end by 2030, this is a great opportunity for the British Army to extend the life of its Land Rovers, as well as help the UK reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. They may even beat JLR in the race to produce an electric Land Rover – JLR’s first isn’t expected until 2024.
With electric propulsion providing an almost instantaneous response, it should be hugely advantageous when it comes to adverse conditions and off-roading – we can’t wait for an update.