No-Emission Armor: Why Armies Are Turning to Electric Vehicles
Author: Sergey Komalin
June 16, 2025, 15:59
The Electric Vehicle Invasion of the Military: How the Military is Adopting Silent Transport
Electric vehicles have firmly established themselves on city streets, but few people realize that this technology may find a "second life" in an entirely unexpected area — military service.
The idea of using electric vehicles for military purposes is not new. In the early 20th century, designers and military engineers first considered the advantages of electric drives: silence, rapid start-up, and ease of maintenance. As early as during World War I, there were initial attempts to manufacture electric vehicles for military needs. However, low battery capacity, short range, and charging difficulties shelved the technology.
With advancements in battery technology and increasing focus on clean energy, armies are once again turning their attention to electric vehicles. Modern conflicts highlight the necessity of reducing noise, thermal signatures, and fuel dependence, with fuel logistics becoming a severe issue on battlefields.
Currently, the United States is leading the charge in advancing the militarization of electric vehicles. The U.S. military has already begun testing fully electric armored vehicles. The Pentagon has set a goal to convert all light non-tactical vehicles to electric drive by 2035.
At present, American engineers are developing an electric version of the "Infantry Squad Vehicle" (ISV) — a lightweight armored vehicle designed for quickly transporting infantry on the battlefield. Prototype models have entered testing stages, with interim results confirming the efficiency of such solutions in combat environments.
Turkey's cutting-edge research and development achievements include Otokar's Akrep IIe electric armored vehicle, designed for reconnaissance missions, patrols, and special operations. Japan is also not lagging behind this overall trend: the Japanese Ministry of Defense is testing the T-HEV hybrid combat platform, which combines the advantages of traditional diesel engines and electric drives, offering long range, silent operation, and minimal thermal signatures.
It is worth noting that introducing electric vehicles into military equipment offers significant advantages, the most obvious being the quiet characteristic. This is not only important for reconnaissance but equally critical for covert operations. Emissions-free transportation makes it harder for enemy thermal imaging targeting systems to detect vehicles, providing a significant advantage in modern conflicts. Additionally, due to fewer moving parts, maintenance for these vehicles is simpler.
However, the application of electric armored vehicles also faces a series of challenges: the first is limited range, making electric vehicles vulnerable in long marches or environments lacking charging infrastructure. Building autonomous charging systems in frontline environments has become an independent engineering challenge. Furthermore, electrical components, batteries, and control electronics must withstand extreme temperatures and impacts, possess anti-electromagnetic interference and cyber threat capabilities.
Nevertheless, despite these difficulties, the trend toward electrification in military transport continues to strengthen. Modern research and technological innovation indicate that over the next decade, electric and hybrid vehicles will occupy a significant proportion of military equipment in many countries.
Today, the future of military transportation is being determined by the process of electrification. Electric armored vehicles and silent engines not only promise to enhance military efficiency but will also significantly change the nature of combat operations, imparting new dynamics and tactical possibilities.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516734798971322892/
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