Rajnath Singh, Gen MM Naravane given EV demo for induction in Indian Army

A demonstration of such e-vehicles was given to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief MM Naravane and other senior officers on Friday. The aim was to induct the e-vehicles in the Indian Army.

A demonstration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) was given to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Army Staff and senior officers of the Indian Army in New Delhi on April 22. Electric vehicle manufacturers by Tata Motors, Perfect Metal Industries (PMI) and Revolt Motors showcased their EVs and briefed about the enhancement in technology and range of operation achieved during the past few years.

The defence minister has appreciated the Indian Army's initiative to induct EVs and reduce dependency on fossil fuels in line with government policies. The government’s policy of FAME I and II has given a tremendous boost to infrastructure development for sustaining the EV ecosystem in India. Setting up of EV charging stations has been delicenced by the government to facilitate the adoption of EV.

Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane believes that the future in transportation is EVs and the Indian Army has to be a torch bearer and lead the way in adoption of this technology even if the world armies are still only contemplating the introduction of EVs.

ALSO READ: Defence canteens to go cashless

Based on the directions of the Chief of Army Staff, a board of officers was detailed under Director General of Supplies & Transport (DGST) Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Singh Yadav as the Presiding Officer to formulate a definite time bound road map for the introduction of EVs in the Indian Army.

The board of officers has finalised its recommendations and Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Singh Yadav briefed the Army chief, commanders and senior army officers about the planned introduction of EVs during the Army Commanders’ meeting. As of now, the Indian Army is planning to procure EVs in three categories- cars, buses and motorcycles.

ALSO READ: Senior Army Commanders to assess national security challenges, Ukraine war impact in 5-day conference