Electric conversions of diesel Land Rover Defenders trialled by Electrogenic

Aftermarket EV converter Electrogenic is partnering with Babcock International in a pilot scheme to covert in-service military Land Rovers for the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

Under the one-year contract from the MOD, two armoured Land Rovers and two general service Land Rovers will be converted from diesel powertrains into battery electric vehicles, using a drop-in kit and modified battery system, before they are tested extensively in trials by the Armoured Trials and Development Unit.

The MOD wants to understand the application and constrains of electric propulsion ahead of the UK Government’s mandate for new cars and light vehicles to be zero emission from 2035.

Steve Drummond, co-founder of Electrogenic, added: “We are delighted to be working with Babcock, and 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.”

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 .”