Army Land Rovers in new trial of electric powered UK military vehicles

British Army Land Rovers will be part of a new trial examining electric power for UK military vehicles.

Defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock) has been awarded a one-year contract by the MOD to help the Army understand the benefits and constraints of electric propulsion.

Four in-service Land Rovers - two protected, and two general service - will be converted from diesel-fuelled to electric using a drop-in kit and modified battery system.

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The Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) will use a series of simulated battlefield scenarios to put the vehicles to the test.

These will include challenges of steep terrain, wading and towing, and a range of weather conditions.

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 ."

Babcock was awarded the contract by Defence Equipment and Support (DE & S), which is the Ministry of Defence's procurement arm.

Corporal Bryan Munce, from the ATDU at MOD Bovington, said: "ATDU is supporting Defence to fully realise the strengths and weaknesses of electric vehicle technology through Project Lurcher.

"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 cognisant of, to enhance our strategic approach."