Army Land Rovers set for all-electric conversion and trials

Partnering with Electrogenic, Babcock International will convert four in-service military Land Rovers, two protected vehicles and two general service, from diesel fuelled to EV using a drop-in kit and modified battery system.

The vehicles will then undergo testing 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.

In a statement, 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.”