Under the project coordination of the General Directorate of Military Factories, the Electric Armored Personnel Carrier (E-ZPT), developed by Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi AŞ (MKE) using domestic resources, has successfully completed qualification tests. The first series-production vehicle has been delivered to the Turkish Land Forces Command.
The delivery was announced by Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, during a weekly press briefing held as part of the 8th anniversary events of ASFAT.
M113 Fleet Modernized with Electric and Hybrid Technology
The E-ZPT program focuses on modernizing the long-serving M113 armored personnel carriers in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. Rather than procuring entirely new platforms, the project upgrades existing M113 hulls with a new hybrid propulsion system and digital infrastructure.
As part of the modernization effort:
- Legacy diesel engines and transmission systems are removed
- A domestically developed hybrid power unit is integrated
- Cost efficiency is achieved by retaining the original armored hulls
The approach enables a rapid and economical transition to next-generation armored mobility.
Powertrain and Performance
The hybrid propulsion system developed by MKE supports both the unarmed E-ZPT and its armed variant, the E-ZMA. According to technical data shared by officials:
- Powertrain: Electric motor with diesel range-extender generator
- Total output: Over 600 horsepower
- Maximum speed: 65 km/h
- Operational range:
- More than 650 km in hybrid mode
- Approximately 150 km in full electric “silent” mode
- Acceleration: 0–50 km/h in 5–6 seconds
These figures represent nearly double the power of legacy M113 diesel configurations, significantly improving mobility and responsiveness.
Silent Operation and Tactical Advantages
The electric drive architecture provides several operational benefits on the battlefield. In electric mode, the vehicle can move silently, reducing acoustic detection risks. The system also lowers thermal signatures, limiting exposure to infrared sensors.
Additional features include:
- Remote-controlled and unmanned mission capability
- Reduced fuel consumption and maintenance burden
- Enhanced suitability for reconnaissance, forward logistics, and special operations
Defense officials say these characteristics position the E-ZPT as a flexible platform for modern, low-signature military operations.
