According to a company news release, the New Zealand Defense Force is operational tests using the UBCO 2×2 electric bikes designated for reconnaissance, surveillance, and other missions
Branches of the NZ Defense Force will each trial the fleet under various simulations to assess the vehicles. The trial is part of the Defense Force’s wider programme towards a more sustainable operation, which also fits with the Government’s goal of having 64,000 EVs on New Zealand roads by the end of next year. LtCol Brad Gallop, Land Combat Group Lead, Capability Branch, New Zealand Defense Force says “There have been dramatic changes in technology over the last few years with electric vehicles a key emerging technology that the NZDF has been monitoring. After investigating a range of options, the NZDF selected UBCO for a trial in 2020”.
The aim of the evaluation is not only to look at the capability of the bike itself but also how it fits in the NZDF Operations. Both NZDF and UBCO are keen to understand the potential of the bikes, both on and off the battlefield.