Türkiye’s land vehicle modernization capability has reached a new delivery phase with the E-ZPT project, developed with electric propulsion technology. Carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of National Defense’s General Directorate of Military Factories, the project continues with deliveries by MKE of E-ZPT, Türkiye’s first electric armored personnel carrier. Three E-ZPT vehicles, which successfully completed demanding field tests, were delivered to the Land Forces Command. A total of 50 vehicles are planned to be added to the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces under the project.

Developed by MKE engineers through the modernization of the M113 series armored personnel carrier, E-ZPT stands out as an example of adapting classic armored vehicle platforms to next-generation requirements. The vehicle underwent comprehensive tests simulating real scenarios that may be encountered on the battlefield. During the qualification process, E-ZPT successfully completed 3,000 kilometers of endurance tests, including 1,600 kilometers off-road, 800 kilometers on asphalt and 600 kilometers on stabilized roads, demonstrating its adaptability to different terrain and mission conditions.

E-ZPT’s performance tests also included demanding stages such as climbing a 60 percent steep gradient, traversing a 30 percent side slope and crossing trenches. The vehicle was also tested under extremely hot and cold weather conditions and delivered successful results. Capable of carrying a total of seven personnel, including the driver, commander, gunner and four crew members, E-ZPT offers an important option for both personnel transport and battlefield support missions with its modernized structure.

Equipped with a fully electric propulsion system, E-ZPT combines environmentally friendly technology with military mobility on a single platform. The vehicle offers a range of 150 kilometers with its internal battery pack, while this range can be extended up to 650 kilometers with generator support. E-ZPT can accelerate from 0 to 50 kilometers per hour in 8 seconds, and thanks to its fast-charging capability, the battery level can be increased from 20 percent to 80 percent in approximately 1.5 hours. These figures show that electric armored vehicles can be used more flexibly and sustainably in the field.

The electric propulsion system also provides E-ZPT with low acoustic and thermal signature advantages. This feature contributes to making the vehicle more difficult to detect on the battlefield and may offer tactical advantages in reconnaissance, movement and sensitive missions. Weighing approximately 15 tons at full capacity, the vehicle can carry a useful payload of 2.5 tons. Its compatibility with different types of payloads also increases E-ZPT’s mission diversity.

The vehicle stands out with its high-security battery structure, low maintenance and repair costs, and infrastructure suitable for modern defense needs. The 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system on E-ZPT gives the vehicle fire support capability in addition to its personnel transport role. With the latest delivery, Türkiye aims to reflect its capability in electric armored vehicle technologies more strongly in the field, while the E-ZPT project stands out as one of the key examples of modernization and electric propulsion transformation in land platforms.