Indian Army's 'green' drive; Electric Vehicles to be bought for peace stations soon

By Anish Kumar | First Published Oct 12, 2022, 3:19 PM IST

According to an Indian Army official, all-electric vehicles would be procured through the capital route. Currently, the Indian Army is using electric vehicles as part of Civil Hired Transport (CHT).

Aiming to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, the Indian Army will equip units located in peace stations with electric vehicles, including 25 per cent light vehicles, 38 per cent buses and 48 per cent motorcycles, in the months to come.

Since the units in peace stations face a shortage of buses, the force will float an open tender enquiry for procuring 60 electric buses along with 24 fast chargers soon.

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Also Read: Explained: Why Indian Army wants to buy 'green' vehicles

According to an Indian Army official, all-electric vehicles would be procured through the capital route. Currently, the Indian Army is using electric vehicles as part of Civil Hired Transport (CHT). The force has already set up charging stations in Delhi Cantonment to support electric vehicles being hired or inducted subsequently. Several charging stations at Delhi Cantonment are being used by civilians as well.

"Considering the pace of greener initiatives being adopted by the government, efforts to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels, it is necessary to adapt to the changing environment," the official said.

Indian Army's efforts to support EVs infrastructure

The Army has been establishing charging points in the parking lots of offices, and residential complexes for onboard charging. These EV charging stations will have at least one fast charger and two to three slow chargers.

Every station will have electric circuit cables and transformers with adequate load-bearing capability.

The force has also planned to set up solar panel-driven charging stations in a phased manner to bring the carbon footprint of these EVs to near zero.

The official further stated that the operational role of the establishments and the number of vehicles required to be shed for their operational role were given due consideration while working out the requirement.

In April this year, the Indian Army organised a demonstration of available EVs to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where Electric Vehicle manufacturers from Tata Motors, Perfect Metal Industries (PMI) and Revolt Motors showcased their vehicles and briefed him about the enhancement in technology and range of operation achieved during past few years.

The government has taken several measures towards low-carbon development, including hydrogen fuel and biofuels.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri said that 25 per cent of global energy demand growth in the next two decades is going to emanate out of India. It should be noted that India is one of the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters, and it aims to reach net zero emissions by 2070.

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