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Army to have electric buses, cars & bikes at peace stations, laying of infrastructure underway

Around 25% of light vehicles, 38% buses and 48% bikes in selected Army units and formations will be changed to electric vehicles.

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New Delhi: With the Modi government consistently pushing for clean energy, the Army has decided to go in for electric vehicles, which includes sedans, buses and motorcycles, at locations designated as peace stations.

According to a new plan, few units at peace stations will see 25 per cent light vehicles (cars), 38 percent buses and 48 percent motorcycles switch from fossil fuel to electric mode.

Defence sources informed that various factors unique to the Indian Army – employability, remote locations and operational commitments – were considered to arrive at a definite time-bound road map.

They added that the operational role of the establishments during operations and number of vehicles required to be shed for their role were given due consideration while working out the requirement.

Globally, militaries are looking at EVs or hybrid models for various types of vehicles in use, including tanks. Many American companies are working on hybrid and fully electric vehicles for the US Army.

Defence sources explained that India has emerged as one of the leaders to exceed global targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2070.

“Many projects are being implemented to reduce the carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. Introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs) are considered as one of the effective steps in that direction,” a source said.

Hence, the Army has put into plan a roadmap to induct EVs wherever possible considering the operational commitments which will significantly cut down emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, the sources said.

Army’s roadmap

“Keeping in view the necessity and employability of EVs over various terrains, the Army will equip a few units located in peace stations with EVs sequentially. Around 25% light vehicles, 38% buses and 48% motor cycles of the selected units/formations will be changed to EVs with adequate charging infrastructure,” an Army note said.

Sources said that the Army is also procuring EVs through the capital budget route, which means buying them from the budget allocation meant for modernisation and new equipment.

According to the plan, for the initial phase, existing scarcity of buses will be fulfilled by procuring electric buses for select peace establishments.

An Open Tender Enquiry (OTE) for procurement of 60 electric buses along with 24 fast chargers will soon be floated, the sources said.

Asked whether the Army has undertaken infrastructure build-up to support these changes, sources said that EV charging points in the parking lots of offices and residential complexes for on board charging are under progress.

These charging stations will have at least one fast charger and two to three slow chargers.

Electric circuit cables and transformers with adequate load bearing capability, based on anticipated number of EVs per station, are being set up while solar panel-driven charging stations are also being planned in a phased manner to bring the carbon footprint of these EVs to near zero, the sources said.

The Army is hoping that these vehicles will establish the right momentum for setting up the ecosystem needed for further induction of EVs in the Armed Forces.

Apart from these, the Army has already started using EVs as part of Civil Hired Transport (CHT). Stations like Delhi Cantonment have already set up charging stations for EVs being hired or inducted subsequently, the sources said.

In April this year, the Army had organised a demonstration of available electric vehicles before Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Electric vehicle manufactures like Tata Motors, Perfect Metal Industries (PMI) and Revolt Motors showcased their collections and highlighted the enhancement in technology and range of operation achieved during the past few years.


Also read: Chinese carmaker BYD to launch first passenger EV in India amid global push


 

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