This Week in EV: Electric Arms

We kick off this week with a type of electric vehicle I’ve never written about before, a tank! Hyundai Rotem has unveiled a hydrogen-powered concept for a military tank, which introduces "tank turn" capabilities and silent operation. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the tank avoids diesel exhaust, masking it from thermal detection, which is advantageous in combat scenarios. The concept includes autonomous features and radar-absorbing materials, supporting Hyundai's goal to release a fully electrified version by 2040. It’s interesting the benefits that an electric tank has over it’s internal combustion engined cousin

VW has unveiled the revived Scout Motors concepts that will be hitting the roads in the next few years with the introduction of concept models for its first electric SUV and truck, each offering a range of 300 to 400 miles per charge. These EVs are targeting outdoor enthusiasts and are designed with a retro aesthetic that recalls Scout’s iconic rugged look while integrating modern electric vehicle technology. Built to handle off-road conditions and heavy-duty tasks, the vehicles are expected to include robust towing capabilities, addressing both adventure and utility demands. Positioned in the mid-to-upper price range, the Scout EVs aim to compete with other high-performance electric utility vehicles, balancing accessibility with a premium experience. Production is targeted for 2026 and interestingly VW are going to only sell them direct and bypass the dealer network.

Good news for the green army with Plymouth City Council announcing a major expansion of its EV charging infrastructure, using ￡2.4 million from the UK’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The plan includes a trial of 100 on-street channels to allow residents without driveways to safely charge at home. Additionally, 600 new 7kW public chargers will be installed across streets and car parks, capable of supporting 1,200 charging bays, boosting accessibility for EV drivers with limited off-street parking.

Kia has introduced CarPay, an in-car payment system debuting with the EV3, allowing drivers to make seamless payments for services directly from the vehicle’s touchscreen. Partnered with Parkopedia, CarPay offers access to over 1.7 million parking spots across Europe, simplifying parking by integrating booking and payment into the car's interface. Kia plans to expand CarPay’s capabilities in future models to cover over use cases

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