https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stridsvagn_103#/media/File:Str...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_density#/media/File:Ene...
That's isn't how thermodynamics works.
It could have a reduced thermal signature but infrared cameras are so absurdly sensitive so it isn't obvious to me that a reduction would be a big advantage.
> Potentially redundant drive
Diesel-electric would have the same redundancy advantages: https://oshkoshdefense.com/engineering-solutions/propulse/
> No diesel fuel to catch fire.
Diesel is relatively hard to get to burn as liquid fuels go... lithium chemistry batteries aren't particularly known for being fire free.
But fundamentally, EVs really only work well when vehicles can recharge on a grid. The Military wants to be able to operate away from the grid.
Also, did the military consider hybrid vehicles for similar role? They have the capacity to operate off-grid, and also switch to completely silent when tactically useful.
I want to be up front - I'm far from privy to the military's decision making, which is byzantine and absurdist on a good day.
However, I think I can pretty safely say that the issue is not whether the military assumes that the grid will be off, but rather they don't assume that the grid will be on.
I think the closest they might get is a plug-in hybrid. However, that adds quite a bit of weight and complexity to a vehicle. I honestly don't know one way or the other how well that would work for armored vehicles, which are typically quite a bit heavier than you're probably used to thinking.
For example: homemade armor is typically 1/4" hardened steel plate welded to the outside of vehicles (thin skinned trucks, etc.) - about 2x the thickness of the Cybertruck's body. I'd assume that most purpose built armor kits are even heavier than that.
