The British Army is exploring the potential benefits and challenges of electric mobility in the military sector through a new project called Lurcher. The project, in collaboration with Babcock International and Electrogenic, involves the conversion of four military-spec Land Rover Defender units into electric vehicles.
The modifications will include a “drop-in kit” and a “modified battery system” to replace the original diesel engine. The electric powertrain is expected to be cleaner, more efficient, and offer increased power output. The Land Rover EVs will be tested by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) “in a series of experimental battlefield/military scenarios” to assess the EV’s performance over steep terrain, wading, and towing, in various climate conditions.
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The project is aimed at extending the lifecycle of the British Army’s aging fleet and exploring the “defense application and constraints of electric propulsion.” With diesel engines becoming obsolete, the military is seeking ways to adapt to the zero-emission era. The conversion to electric power will not only be more environmentally friendly, but it will also offer cost reductions and greater exportable power.
The project is also an opportunity to test the suitability of electric power for military applications. The battery pack’s range and charging times will be critical factors in determining the operational status of the vehicles in the field. However, Steve Drummond, the co-founder of Electrogenic, believes that their EV conversion kit for Land Rovers is the “ideal fit for military vehicles.”
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The Lurcher project is an exciting development in the electric mobility sector, demonstrating that the benefits of electric power are not limited to civilian applications. As governments worldwide seek to reduce their carbon footprint, military organizations must also adapt to the changing times. With the Lurcher project, the British Army is taking a proactive approach to explore the potential of electric mobility and future-proof its fleet.
