Babcock International, the defence company, has been contracted by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to help the British Army understand the defence application and constraints of electric propulsion. Electrogenic, the British electric vehicle (EV) technology company renowned for its beautiful classic car conversions, has been selected with Babcock International Group to re-engineer four British Army Land Rovers to electric vehicles using Electrogenic’s proprietary technology.
Corporal Bryan Munce, said: Armoured Trials and Development Unit at MOD Bovington, said: “ATDU is supporting Defence to fully realise the strengths and weaknesses of electric vehicle technology.
“Mobility performance, exportable power, signature and cost reduction are just some of the considerations we will explore while partnering with Electrogenic and Babcock. In understanding what could enable our forces, it also informs MOD of potential threats to be cognizant of, to enhance our strategic approach.”
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 different climate-related conditions.
Steve Drummond, Electrogenic co-founder, said: “We are delighted to be working with Babcock, and we’re immensely proud to be putting our market-leading EV technology to the ultimate test with the British Army. To be selected is a testament to the sophistication of our technology, and our years of experience developing Land Rover EV conversions.
“At the core of our offering, is the ability to have total control over every element of the electric drivetrain. As a result, our EV technology elevates performance – particularly when in adverse conditions and off-road – to a whole new level. It’s the ideal fit for military vehicles.”
It’s good to see the MOD looking into the use of electric powertrains and converting their old internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It’s a natural progression that will help them not only become more sustainable but take enjoy the advantages electric vehicles provide, such as cheaper running costs and lower maintenance needs.
Chris Spicer, Babcock’s Managing Director of Engineering and Systems Integration – Land, said: “This is a great opportunity to investigate alternative engine technology, which will enable the British Army to extend the life of its Land Rovers as diesel becomes obsolete. I’m excited to see how the converted Land Rovers perform in a test environment against diesel and hybrid equivalents.
“Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy and by partnering with Electrogenic, we’ll be supporting the MOD to be prepared for the shift to electric vehicles from 2030 and the UK in reaching its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
