In line with the national focus on reducing carbon emissions, the Army has put into plan a road map to induct electric vehicles (EV) wherever possible considering the operational commitments, sources said. The move will help significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

“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% of light vehicles, 38% buses and 48% motorcycles of select units and formations will be changed to EVs with adequate charging infrastructure,” a source said. “Various factors unique to Indian Army’s employability, remote locations of employment and operational commitments were considered to arrive at a definite time-bound road map.”

Stating that the Army was also procuring EVs through the capital route, the source said the existing shortage of buses would be fulfilled by procuring electric buses for select peace establishments for initial exploitation. An open tender enquiry for procurement of 60 electric buses along with 24 fast chargers would soon be floated, the source said.

The Army has already started using EVs as part of civil hired transport, officials said. Stations such as Delhi Cantonment have already established charging stations to support EVs being hired or inducted subsequently, one official said, adding that at Delhi Cantonment, a number of charging stations were also open to civilians.

Support infrastructure

To enable a viable EV ecosystem as part of the overall plan, the required support infrastructure is being created, the source said. EV charging points on the parking lots of offices and residential complexes for charging are being set up, which will have at least one fast charger and two or three slow chargers.

This also includes electric circuit cables and transformers with adequate load bearing capability based on anticipated number of EVs per station. Solar panel-driven charging stations are also planned in phases.

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