The automotive industry is rapidly shifting toward electric vehicles. What does this mean for armored vehicle buyers? Here is an in-depth look at EV armoring.
The Growing Demand
As electric vehicles become mainstream, clients increasingly ask about armored EVs:
- Environmental concerns driving EV adoption
- Corporate sustainability initiatives
- Government mandates in some regions
- Desire for latest technology
- Lower operating costs appeal
The armored vehicle industry is responding to this demand.
Unique Challenges of EV Armoring
Battery Protection
The battery pack presents unique considerations:
- Batteries are heavy, adding to armoring weight concerns
- Battery placement (floor-mounted) requires specific protection strategies
- Damaged batteries pose fire risk
- Battery replacement after damage is extremely expensive
Quality EV armoring addresses battery protection carefully.
Weight Impact
Electric vehicles are already heavy due to batteries:
- Base EV may weigh 500-800 kg more than combustion equivalent
- Adding armor weight compounds the issue
- Range is directly affected by total weight
- Suspension and brake upgrades are essential
Range Considerations
Added weight significantly impacts range:
- Expect 20-40% range reduction with Level IIIA armoring
- Higher protection levels reduce range further
- Charging infrastructure planning becomes more critical
- Daily driving patterns must accommodate reduced range
Charging and Infrastructure
Armored EV owners must consider:
- Increased charging frequency
- Vulnerability during charging stops
- Secure charging location requirements
- Home charging installation needs
Platforms Suitable for EV Armoring
Not all EVs are good armoring candidates:
Good Candidates:
Large SUV EVs (Rivian R1S, BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV):
- More space to accommodate armoring
- Higher initial range provides buffer for weight penalty
- Structure supports additional weight
Full-Size Trucks (Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T):
- Body-on-frame construction where applicable
- High payload capacity
- Large battery options available
Tesla Model X:
- Popular platform with armoring experience developing
- Good initial range
- Challenge: aluminum construction requires specialized techniques
Challenging Platforms:
Sedans and smaller EVs: Limited space, lower initial range
Lightweight EVs: Structure may not support armoring weight
Budget EVs: Smaller batteries mean unacceptable range loss
Current State of the Industry
The armored EV market is evolving:
- Major armoring companies developing EV programs
- Techniques being refined for new materials
- Partnership with EV manufacturers emerging
- Certification standards being adapted
We are actively developing our EV armoring capabilities.
Cost Considerations
EV armoring presents unique cost factors:
- Base EV prices are generally higher
- Specialized armoring techniques add cost
- Battery protection systems are expensive
- Range compensation (larger battery) adds cost
Expect armored EVs to carry premium pricing.
What Clients Should Know
If you are considering an armored EV:
1. Plan for range reduction: Understand your daily driving needs
2. Consider charging infrastructure: Secure charging is essential
3. Choose the right platform: Not all EVs are suitable
4. Budget appropriately: Costs are higher than combustion armoring
5. Patience required: The industry is still developing best practices
Our Perspective
At Protecto Glass, we see EVs as the future of armored vehicles. We are investing in:
- Training on EV-specific armoring techniques
- Partnerships with EV manufacturers
- Developing battery protection solutions
- Testing programs for EV platforms
Recommendations for Today
For clients who want protected transportation now:
- Hybrid vehicles offer a middle ground with some EV benefits
- Traditional platforms remain proven and reliable
- Wait for EV if your timeline allows for industry maturation
The Future
Within the next few years, we expect:
- Purpose-built armored EV platforms
- Manufacturer collaboration on integrated protection
- Improved techniques minimizing range impact
- Competitive pricing as volume increases
Conclusion
Electric armored vehicles are coming. The technology exists, and the industry is rapidly developing expertise. For clients prioritizing EV ownership, solutions are available today with certain trade-offs. For those who can wait, the options will only improve.
Contact us to discuss your interest in armored EVs. We will provide honest guidance on current capabilities and future possibilities.