Doesn't have to be strictly EMP, live electrical currents work just like sticking their finger in an outlet or getting hit by lightning. So, if you can mimic that in any way, it should work. At least on the models I've seen here.
In my timeline, most of the basin is patrolled by the aerial HK-drones. But, around strongholds like Century, you will also see the Ogre tanks, foot patrols, etc. Metal knows these places are targets.