The Department of National Defence has commissioned a $1.2-million study to explore the feasibility of zero-emission light-armoured vehicles, despite previous research suggesting that green military technology is non-existent, too costly, or impractical.
The study aims to identify environmentally friendly technologies and low-carbon fuels that can be used by the national safety and security fleet departments, in line with the Treasury Board's Greening Government Strategy.
The notice to contractors states that the scope of work for the digital feasibility study is to employ industry experts to conduct a study for a solid-state, hydrogen-powered light-armoured vehicle with a maximum weight of 45,000 pounds.
The department acknowledged that there are currently no zero-emission platforms available for armoured vehicles, but a report is due in 18 months.
The notice emphasizes that climate targets will never be met if military vehicles continue to use diesel and gasoline, and without the ability to operate and be sustained using alternate fuels, the Canadian Army has no pathway to procure and field zero-emission platforms.
A 2018 Defence Energy and Environment Strategy proposed sweeping initiatives, including installing wind farms on army bases and encouraging staff to cycle to work, but most of those ideas lapsed without comment.
The use of battery electric motors by the military was deemed costly and impractical in a 2019 report, which stated that the purchase of hybrid vehicles would be difficult to justify on cost alone.
