New Delhi, Oct 12 (Agency) Indian Army has launched a drive to introduce Electric Vehicles (EVs) into select units that will significantly reduce the carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. According to the plans, a detailed roadmap has been prepared to ensure that 25 per cent light vehicles, 38 per cent buses and 48 per cent motor cycles of the select Army units are changed to Electric Vehicles soon with adequate charging infrastructure, officials said. In April 2022, the Indian Army had organised a demonstration of available EVs to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh where Electric Vehicle manufactures from Tata Motors, Perfect Metal Industries (PMI) and Revolt Motors showcased their EVs and briefed about the enhancement in technology and range of operation achieved during past few years.
The drive to introduce Electric Vehicles in the Indian Army gained further momentum after the demonstration. Various factors unique to Indian Army’s employability, remote locations of employment and operational commitments were considered to arrive at a definite time bound roadmap. Introduction of Electric Vehicles is considered as one of the effective steps to reduce Carbon Emission and reduce dependency on fossil fuel. “India has emerged as one of the leaders to exceed global targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2070. Many projects are being implemented to reduce the carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels,” officials said. In order to support a viable Electric Vehicles ecosystem in the Army, support infrastructure is also being established like EV charging points in the parking lots of offices/ residential complexes for on board charging.
These EV charging stations will have at least one fast charger and two to three slow chargers. Besides, electric circuit cables, Transformers with adequate load bearing capability based on anticipated number of EVs per station are being ensured. Solar Panel Driven charging stations are also planned in a phased manner to bring carbon footprint of these EVs to near zero. Keeping in view the necessity and employability of EVs over various terrains, the Army will equip few units located in Peace Stations with EVs sequentially. The Indian Army is also procuring EVs through the Capital Route. As per plans, the existing deficiency of Buses will be fulfilled by procuring Electric Buses for select Peace Establishments for initial exploitation. An Open Tender Enquiry for procurement of 60 Buses (Electric) along with 24 Fast Chargers will soon be floated, officials said. The drive for Electric Vehicles will establish the right momentum for setting up the ecosystem for further induction of EVs in the Armed Forces, officials added. Apart from these, Army has already started using EVs as part of Civil Hired Transport (CHT). Stations like Delhi Cantonment have already established charging stations to support EVs being hired or inducted subsequently. At Delhi Cantt, a number of charging stations is also open to civilians.