The Biggest Challenge To Switching to an Electric Army Fleet
Jane Lu
· 3 min read
The world is switching away from gas-powered vehicles, and improved
electric vehicles
(EVs) are making this possible. Outside the consumer market, more roles are being found for EVs in the commercial sector. For example, electric commercial trucks
are already starting to hit the roads.The U.S. Army is also keeping an eye on the progress of EVs.
Car and Driver
reported that the Army is interested in EVs, but there are drawbacks with current technology. One of the biggest challenges is charging time.
The Army fleet is currently gas-powered
Right now, there are 225,000 operating vehicles in the U.S. Army fleet, and every one of them is powered by gas. The amount of gas that these vehicles use is staggering. A Humvee is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle out there.
There are additional issues with gas usage that include the logistics of shipping fuel. Anywhere that Army vehicles are located, there needs to be a supply of gas to refuel. This means that when making plans, the Army has to account for bringing enough gas to power their fleet.
Gas-powered vehicles also create extra dangers on the battlefield. These engines are loud, making any attempts at a stealthy entry impractical. Fuel is also flammable, which means vehicles can ignite if they’re damaged.
Electric vehicles as a fleet alternative
The military is always on the lookout for innovations, including
car technology
, to help improve their effectiveness. Electric vehicles are becoming more accessible, so it makes sense why the Army would be looking into them.A major benefit to a fleet of EVs is that the Army wouldn’t have to worry about bringing fuel everywhere. As long as there are chargers around, you’d be able to refuel. As the network of
EV charging stations
expands, recharging an EV will become easier and easier.Even though the future of transportation may be electric, it might not be time for the Army to convert its fleet just yet.
The Army is sticking with gas for now
There are certainly benefits to making the switch to electric vehicles. For the Army fleet, the vehicles would be quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. Electric engines also don't run the same risks of catching fire as gas engines.
The Army will not be changing to electric just yet, though. EVs may take several hours to charge while refueling with gas only takes minutes. Building enough charging stations to power the entire Army fleet would require significant time and resources.
This leaves the Army in a difficult position. At some point, as the world's vehicles become increasingly electric, the Army will likely have to make the switch. For now, gas is reliable, and it’s much easier to stick with the fleet's status quo.
Electric tanks and Humvees may seem like a distant idea right now. However, they may become more practical as other vehicles like
electric vans
make their way into the market.Everyday drivers are also weighing the pros and cons of switching to an EV. From the initial price to ease of charging, there are several things to consider before buying an electric car. One question that many consumers have is what type of car insurance you need for a
green vehicle
.Thankfully, whether you drive an electric or gas-powered vehicle,
Jerry
can help find the right car insurance for your needs. Signing up takes 45 seconds, and the free app will compare quotes to find the best price for the coverage you need.
