When we think about military vehicles a image comes of rugged diesel trucks with big wheels, billowing, smoky exhausts and all-terrain tyres. But the Indian Army has long had an eco-friendly side, with battalions engage in fighting deforestation and other environmental issues.
Like the Territorial Army’s Ecological Task Force (ETF) unit has working since the 1980s to restore damage from mining in Uttarakhand.
Indian Army is looking to include new electric vehicles (EVs) into its light vehicle fleet.
The Indian Army’s electric car fleet will not operate in harsh climates and off-grid zones in “operational areas” such as the northern Himalayas and the western border to Pakistan.
They aren’t a direct replacement for the ubiquitous Army Gypsy that’s being retire from the fleet.
The Army Welfare Transport (AWT) Society already has 15 all-electric vehicles that are used to transport personnel in Delhi.
Which include ten Mahindra e-Verito electric sedans that are on lease from EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd).
The AWT Society plans to have electric cars for a quarter of its fleet in Delhi.
Studies have shown that electric cars are beneficial to the environment even if the majority of their power is derive from carbon-emitting processes in steam power plants.
EVs already emit 19% to 34% lower lifetime emissions compare with ICE cars in India.
As the contribution of greener power sources increases and EVs themselves become more efficient, the gap between lifetime emissions of EVs and ICE cars will only become wider.
Which EVs can Army Pick?
Tata Nexon EV
The Tata Nexon EV offers comfort and space in the footprint of a sub-compact city SUV.
Tata will soon launch the update Tata Nexon EV with a bigger battery pack, and likely, a longer driving range.
Tigor EV
With its 306km (ARAI-certified) range and a 4-star GNCAP safety rating, the Tigor EV makes for a fine all-electric city runabout.
It’s also the most affordable new electric car you can buy.
MG ZS EV
The 2022 MG ZS EV would useful Army light vehicle.
With a range of 461km (ARAI), MG ZS EV capable of taking Army personnel for short inter-city road trips.
MG ZS EV also comes with a slew of active safety features that, if use well, will lend it a long, dent-free life.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric has already use by government departments, and it’s useful for the Army as well.
Hyundai Kona Electric offers a decent 452km (ARAI) range and, according to Hyundai, offers running costs that are one-fifth of an ICE-power vehicle.
The Army can also plan for upcoming electric vehicles such as the Tata Altroz EV and Mahindra XUV300 Electric to be induct into its fleets in the future.
Challenges to induct Electric Vehicles
- The Indian Army operates across the country in multiple regions, including remote areas where electricity isn’t as abundant as it is in metro cities such as the national capital of Delhi.
- Electric Vehicles need fast AC and DC chargers to juice up in a reasonable amount of time, which limits their feasibility in remote areas.
- Public charging stations are still limited to a small number of inland cities, and even the power grid has limited reach in some border towns.
The Army’s move will certainly increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on our roads and reduce emissions from transporting personnel within cities.
India’s Electric Vehicles charging network is growing, and the automotive market for electric vehicles is expanding.
Electric Vehicles encouraging to see the Army ready to move with the times towards a greener, carbon-neutral future.
