Mobility is critical in combat scenarios, such as what has been going on in Ukraine for the past few months. In Ukraine’s case achieving a strategic goal is protecting its territory from invasion. While the Ukrainian army continues to rely on traditional modes of transportation such as jeeps, pickup trucks, and other medium to heavy-duty vehicles, it has begun to add lightweight electric vehicles to its fleet, notably electric enduro motorcycles.
Stealth Mode On
Even the smallest internal combustion engines used in mopeds and scooters are loud and detectable from a distance. They’re especially damaging in combat scenarios when stealth is crucial, as they may rapidly give you away to your opponents. That’s why ELEEK and Delfast electric motorcycles are assisting Ukrainian troops in getting about.
Vadym Ignatov, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Association of Electric Vehicle Market Participants, wrote about the delivery of ELEEK Atom electric bikes to the Armed Forces earlier in May, adding that the military had previously inspected and gave comments on their performance.
“We take into account all the wishes of our fighters, which were discovered during the combat use of the first units. And most importantly, added a very important feature that will allow you not to take additional power banks in the raid. The companies have added 220 V output, which will allow the use of any standard charger. After testing in real combat conditions, special forces fighters assessed the benefits of electric bikes and the need for them will increase.” More e-bikes will undoubtedly be deployed to the front lines once they are equipped with more technology to aid soldiers.
Innovation Helps
Delfast, a company you may be familiar with, is extensively associated with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Danylo Tonkopiy, the company’s founder and CEO, also announced the delivery of numerous electric motorcycles to the military. “We transferred electric bikes to the forefront in the first weeks of the war, but we didn’t talk about it—we do some things quietly. Now we have received permission from the command and publish photos where and what for our bikes are used.” Tonkopiy stated in the same report.
To increase their fighting power, Ukrainian defenders have adapted motorbikes to carry NLAW rockets or Next Generation Light Anti-Armour Weapons. In an article published by Electrek, the workings of these rockets are discussed in great detail. These small yet powerful weapons are designed to eliminate an enemy tank with just one operator. They’re also made to be carried by infantry and human-portable, making them considerably easier to transport on an electric bike.
Another advantage of NLAW rockets is that they may be used in conjunction with electric motorcycles. Getting into position to fire an NLAW rocket in an open location is particularly perilous since it typically exposes the operator to the enemy tank’s cannons as well as the surrounding forces’ artillery. The soldier’s vulnerability can be greatly decreased by quickly and quietly acquiring a shooting position and then leaving the area on a high-powered electric bike.
Indian Army Plans to Go EV
The Indian Army is planning to add electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet in three categories, including motorbikes, buses, and automobiles to help reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Perfect Metal Industries (PMI), Revolt Motors, and Tata Motors demonstrated their electric vehicles to defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other military services stakeholders highlighting the advancement in technology and range of operation gained in this field over the last several years.
More on The Indian Army’s Plan
A time-bound road map for bringing electric vehicles into the Indian Army is currently being developed. This has been done based on the directions of the Chief of Army Staff and a Board of Officers was set up under Director General of Supplies & Transport (DGST) Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Singh Yadav who was the Presiding Officer.
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Singh Yadav informed the Chief of Army Staff, top army commanders, and other senior officers of the planned introduction of EVs and the recommendations of the Board of Officers during the Army Commanders’ meeting in New Delhi.
Several government initiatives to promote EVs in India have been beneficial. FAME I and II both policies have boosted infrastructure development, which is helping to sustain the EV ecosystem in India. The installation of EV charging stations has also been delicensed to boost EV uptake.
