Modern militaries crawl towards electrification of the battlefield
The NGTV-H from GM Defense (Photo: GM Defense)
Full electrification of their land and air vehicles may be beyond modern militaries for now. But how close are they to the tipping point of the widespread use of electric vehicles?
Major players in the defence industrial world are moving towards a tipping point on the electrification of their technology.
The military product subsidiary of General Motors, GM Defense for instance, is already working on EV hybrid versions of its Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) model, a diesel-powered, electric light reconnaissance vehicle, which it showcased in October 2024 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual event.
But the industry is also aware of several power production barriers which need to be overcome before that tipping point can be reached.
Adding electric options to the defence menu
In the meantime
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift]()
Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift
The European Land Robot Trials are influenced by NATO researchers seeking to create uncrewed ground vehicle standards for allied Western forces working in multinational task forces.
-
![More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order]()
More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan splurges big for future air and naval programmes, including new hybrid ships, but there are fewer big-ticket items for British Army vehicles. Shephard’s Damian Kemp looks at the much delayed plan.
-
![DroneShield signs agreements and US contract in the face of surging demand]()
DroneShield signs agreements and US contract in the face of surging demand
DroneShield has been at the forefront of CUAS capability despite being founded only 12 years ago. The company’s early move into the counter-drone arena has put it on the crest of the rapidly expanding technology field.
