New Delhi: With the Modi government continuing to push for clean energy, the Army has decided to switch to electric vehicles, including sedans, buses and motorcycles, at places designated as peace stations.
According to a new plan, some units at Shanti stations will see 25 per cent light vehicles (cars), 38 per cent buses and 48 per cent motorcycles switching from fossil fuels to electric mode.
Defense sources said various factors unique to the Indian Army – employability, remote location and operational commitments – were considered to arrive at a definite time-bound road map.
He said that the operational role of the establishments during operation and the requirement of number of vehicles required for their role was given due attention.
Globally, militaries are looking at EV or hybrid models for a variety of vehicles in use, including tank, Several US companies are working on hybrid and fully electric vehicles for the US military.
Defense sources said India has emerged as one of the leaders in exceeding the global targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2070.
“Several projects are being implemented to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered one of the effective steps in this direction.
Therefore, the Army has prepared a roadmap to induct EVs wherever possible, considering operational commitments, which will significantly reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, sources said.
army roadmap
“Keeping in view the requirement and employment of EVs in various localities, Army will progressively equip certain units located in peace stations with EVs. An Army note said that about 25% light vehicles, 38% buses and 48% motor cycles of selected units/formations will be converted to EVs with adequate charging infrastructure.
Sources said the Army is also procuring electric vehicles through the capital budget route, which means buying them from budget allocation for modernization and new equipment.
Under the scheme, the existing shortage of buses will be met by purchasing electric buses for selected peace establishments in the initial phase.
Sources said that the Open Tender Inquiry (OTE) for the purchase of 60 electric buses with 24 fast chargers will be started soon.
When asked whether the Army has created infrastructure to support these changes, sources said EV charging points in parking lots of offices and residential complexes are in progress for on-board charging.
These charging stations will have at least one fast charger and two to three slow chargers.
Electric circuit cables and transformers with adequate load carrying capacity are being installed based on the estimated number of EVs per station, while solar panel powered charging stations are being planned in a phased manner to bring down the carbon footprint of these EVs to near zero. has been , the sources said.
The Army expects these vehicles to set the right pace to establish the necessary ecosystem to advance electric vehicles in the armed forces.
Apart from these, the Army has already started using electric vehicles as part of Civil Higher Transport (CHT). Sources said stations like Delhi Cantonment have already set up charging stations for electric vehicles on rent or to be inducted later.
In April this year, the Army had demonstrated the available electric vehicles in front of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Perfect Metal Industries (PMI) and Revolt Motors showcased their collections and highlighted the increase in technology and range of operations achieved over the years.
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