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The qualification tests of Türkiye’s first electric armored personnel carrier, the E-ZPT, developed and produced by Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE), have been completed, the company said.
Developed through the modernization of the M113 series armored personnel carrier, the E-ZPT has been virtually rebuilt from scratch and equipped with next-generation technologies to meet the operational requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces.
The vehicle is planned to enter the inventory of the Land Forces Command.
As Turkish news agency Anadolu observed the vehicle’s field capabilities, E-ZPT Project Manager and Senior Engineer Halil Celik said the platform was designed by closely analyzing battlefield conditions.
“The E-ZPT is our vehicle that we designed by closely monitoring and interpreting the battlefield and equipping it with next-generation technologies,” Celik said. “It has a fully electric propulsion system, and we have now completed the acceptance tests of the first mass-production vehicle.”
Celik said qualification tests began on Oct. 14, 2024, and continued for 376 consecutive days.
“The vehicle underwent numerous challenging tests simulating battlefield conditions,” he said. “We completed 3,000 kilometers of endurance driving, including 800 kilometers on asphalt, 1,600 kilometers of off-road testing, and 600 kilometers on stabilized roads.”
Performance testing included climbing a 60% gradient, operating on a 30% side slope, trench crossing, and environmental tests conducted at temperatures ranging from minus 32 to plus 49 degrees Celsius.
Because the E-ZPT incorporates electric propulsion and advanced electronic systems, electromagnetic compatibility and interference tests were also conducted and completed successfully.
“Our vehicle is equipped with an automatic explosion suppression system and fire-extinguishing systems,” Celik said. “It also features a 12.7-millimeter remote-controlled weapon system, and all live-fire tests under operational scenarios were successfully completed.”
Celik said the Land Forces Command, the General Directorate of Military Factories and affiliated production units participated throughout the testing and acceptance process.
While the E-ZPT is based on the M113 armored personnel carrier, Celik said only the hull was retained.
“All other components, including the running gear, suspension system, control systems and internal equipment, were completely renewed with next-generation technologies,” he said.
The vehicle includes situational awareness cameras, environmental imaging systems, driver and commander displays, an explosion suppression system, and CBRN masks produced by an MKE subsidiary.
Celik said the vehicle has an operational range of approximately 150 kilometers on battery power alone, depending on terrain conditions. Battery packs are mounted on both sides of the vehicle.
With integrated generator support, the range can be extended to 650 kilometers without stopping.
“The vehicle derives all propulsion entirely from electric motors, which provides higher torque, greater power and improved mobility under combat conditions,” he said.
The E-ZPT can accelerate from zero to 50 kilometers per hour in about eight seconds and can stop within a braking distance of roughly eight to 10 meters. It also retains pivot-turn capability, allowing it to rotate around its own axis.
With fast-charging capability, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 1.5 hours.
The vehicle can carry a crew of seven, including a driver, commander and gunner.
The E-ZPT features a fully electric propulsion system, reducing acoustic and thermal signatures. It is designed for low maintenance costs and compatibility with various payload configurations.
The vehicle is equipped with a driver camera, intercom and radio systems, GPS-INS navigation, environmental imaging cameras, remote-control capability, and integrated heating and cooling.
At full load, the vehicle weighs approximately 15 tons and has a payload capacity of 2.5 tons. It measures 5.35 meters in length, 2.7 meters in width and 2.25 meters in height.
“As MKE, we continue to develop high-technology, effective and cost-efficient systems by closely reading today’s battlefield,” Celik said. “The E-ZPT is one of those next-generation products.”
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