Türkiye’s defense industry has reached another significant milestone in land systems technologies. Türkiye’s first electric armored personnel carrier, E-ZPT, developed by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş. (MKE) under the Ministry of National Defense, has successfully completed its qualification tests. Based on the modernization of the M113 armored personnel carrier, the E-ZPT retains only the original hull while all other subsystems have been completely renewed with next-generation technologies.

According to E-ZPT Project Manager Halil Çelik, the vehicle features a fully electric propulsion system, significantly reducing acoustic and thermal signatures on the battlefield. The qualification process began on October 14, 2024, and continued uninterrupted for 376 days. During this period, the vehicle underwent extensive durability and performance tests, covering more than 3,000 kilometers across asphalt roads, off-road terrain, and stabilized surfaces.

The E-ZPT successfully passed demanding trials, including 60% vertical slope climbing, 30% side slope operation, trench crossing, and environmental tests conducted at temperatures ranging from +49°C to -32°C. The vehicle is also equipped with advanced safety systems such as automatic explosion suppression, fire extinguishing systems, and has passed electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) tests. Its remotely controlled weapon station armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun successfully completed live-fire tests under various combat scenarios.

Powered by battery packs mounted on both sides, the E-ZPT offers an operational range of approximately 150 kilometers depending on terrain conditions. With the support of an onboard generator, this range can be extended up to 650 kilometers without requiring the vehicle to stop. Thanks to its electric motors delivering high torque, the E-ZPT can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in just 8 seconds and stop within 8–10 meters, providing superior maneuverability in combat environments.

Capable of carrying seven personnel, including a driver, commander, gunner, and four troops, the E-ZPT is equipped with 360-degree situational awareness cameras, driver and commander displays, GPS-INS navigation, internal communication, and radio systems. The vehicle, which was showcased to the public by Anadolu Ajansı, is planned to enter the inventory of the Turkish Land Forces, marking a major step forward for Türkiye in electric military vehicle technologies.