Battlefield tests for British Army electric Land Rover Defenders

The British Army is converting four Land Rover Defenders to electric power before testing them in various battlefield scenarios.

Babcock International has been awarded a one-year contract by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to help the British Army understand the potential constraints of electric vehicles (EVs).

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

The vehicles will then be put to the test by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) in a series of experimental battlefield and military scenarios, which will assess performance over steep terrain, wading and towing, and different climate-related conditions.

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.”

The Electrogenic Land Rover conversion kits offer three battery sizes – 62kWh, 70kWh and 93kWh – offering a range of up to 150 miles-plus.

The battery boxes are dense and carefully designed so the cabin space is untouched.  All kits also have CCS charging and a fast cabin heater. 

Furthermore, the control system supports different drive modes (e.g. sport, eco and town) and regen-delivered engine braking for controlled offroad hill descents. 

All the kits drive like an automatic but retain the transfer box so you still have full four-wheel drive, high and low ratios, and the transfer box diff-lock. 

This, says Electrogenic, combines exceptional drivability with great off-road performance.

Steve Drummond, co-founder of Electrogenic, said: “We’re immensely proud to be putting our market-leading EV technology to the ultimate test with the British Army.

“To be selected is a testament to the sophistication of our technology, and our years of experience developing Land Rover EV conversions.

“At the core of our offering, is the ability to have total control over every element of the electric drivetrain.

“As a result, our EV technology elevates performance – particularly when in adverse conditions and off-road – to a whole new level. It’s the ideal fit for military vehicles.”

Babcock International was awarded the contract by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm for the UK Armed Forces.

Corporal Bryan Munce, from the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) at MOD Bovington, said: “ATDU is supporting Defence to fully realise the strengths and weaknesses of electric vehicle technology through Project Lurcher.

“Mobility performance, exportable power, signature and cost reduction are just some of the considerations we will explore while partnering with Electrogenic and Babcock.

“In understanding what could enable our forces, it also informs MOD of potential threats to be cognizant of, to enhance our strategic approach.”