Bringing a Tesla to War: Military Applications of Electric Vehicle Technology

Abstract

The Marine Operating Concept states that "iron mountains of supply and lakes of liquid fuel" present too lucrative a target for a 21st Century opponent. Yet, expeditionary energy demands are at historically high levels, requiring significant logistical infrastructure to support fuel consumption. Without changes to equipment or doctrine, this appetite for fuel will likely prove unsustainable, a risk both to mission and force when facing capable adversaries. Electric vehicle technology presents a possible answer to this challenge as current and forecasted improvements in batteries, electric motors, and super-capacitors could provide a viable solution to the problem of fuel consumption. Future combat vehicles incorporating electric vehicle technology could optimize operational reach and logistical demand to produce a MAGTF postured to go farther, faster, with a reduced signature. Research and development and a clear operating concept will be key In achieving this goal.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 09, 2017
Accession Number
AD1178915

Entities

People

  • Brian J Donlon

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Power
  • Business Administration
  • Climate Change
  • Climate Change Adaptation
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Electric Automobiles
  • Electric Motors
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Energy Consumption
  • Energy Production
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  • Light Armored Vehicles
  • Military Applications
  • Military History
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Wind Turbines

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Strategic Security Studies