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USA, 21 June 2023: The US Army’s plans to electrify its fleet of tanks are on hold due to the lack of battery technology that can meet the military’s needs.
The Army currently has no electric tanks in the field, and the technology to power a 50-ton tracked combat vehicle for 15 minutes of combat does not yet exist.
Battery Technology
The military is working with companies like ZapBatt and GM Defense to develop batteries that can meet its requirements, but it is likely to be several years before an electric tank is deployed.
In the meantime, the Army is focusing on developing hybrid combat vehicles, which use both electric and traditional fuel.
Zero emissions
The Army’s decision to delay the electrification of its tank fleet is a setback for the military’s climate goals. The Pentagon has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and electric vehicles are a key part of that plan.
However, the Army’s decision is also understandable. The military needs to ensure that its vehicles are reliable and effective in combat, and it is not yet clear that electric technology is ready for prime time.
The development of electric tanks is a complex challenge, but it is one that the military is committed to solving. With the right partners and the right investment, the Army can develop electric tanks that are both powerful and sustainable.
