Australian Army to test Thales Bushmaster ePMV electric prototype

Australian Army is testing the Thales Bushmaster ePMV electric prototype.

It’s the first Australian electrification of a military vehicle, according to the Army Recognition website.

The ePMV engine and gearbox have been replaced with a pair of lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor driving each axle.

This military vehicle is about 2 tonnes lighter than a regular Bushmaster. The armored vehicle was presented at a symposium of army chiefs.

The centre of gravity has also moved rearwards and downward.

“That helps with stability, high-speed and cross-country manoeuvres, and safety under braking. But in theory it (Bushmaster ePMV, – Ed.) will do 0-60km/h in a little over three seconds. For a 12-tonne vehicle, that’s amazing. Up to 100km/h will take about 12 seconds, where the normal Bushmaster takes 42 seconds,” Colonel Robin Smith, director of Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office said.

The first version has about a 100 km range, but a planned larger battery should increase this to 350km.

In addition, there’s also work to mount small external generators, increasing the range to about 1000 km.

The Bushmaster was chosen as a prototype due to its availability, good armour, and a looming decision on whether to replace or upgrade the fleet. It features high-speed charging, like a Tesla, filling the battery in about three hours or via a household plug in about seven hours.

Colonel Smith said the several power outlets on the vehicle could be used for command posts and field workshops.

“The vehicle’s battery power could run the average Australian home for just over six days,” he said.

They are also considering the creation of a hybrid, that will use a lot less fuel than a regular Bushmaster.

“It’s quieter and less warm, lowering the thermal signature, and it’s a software-driven vehicle, so autonomy is easier,” Colonel Smith said.

There is also more space between the driver and the crew commander, and a modernised dashboard.

Colonel Smith said his team wanted to get this into the hands of servicemen and really test its real-world performance.

After a larger battery is fitted, the team will conduct road-capability trials.

The Australian Army’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office is also considering electrification of tracked vehicles.

As previously reported, the Senator of the Australian Parliament, David Wang, visited the location of one of the units of the 80th Air Assault Brigade. He talked to the Ukrainian servicemen about the use of Australian Bushmasters on the front lines.