Gaps in electric vehicle modernization policies identified in new white paper

Major policy gaps in the UK electric vehicle (EV) retrofit market have been revealed in a new white paper published by Bedeo today (Tuesday 4 June).

The white paper, entitled “Accelerate the transition, support our businesses: enabling low-emission fleets through modernization electrification“, highlights the need to introduce incentives for those looking to renovate, and for renovators to be more strictly regulated and monitored in terms of safety and quality standards.

Renovation is already popular and well subsidized in other European countries such as France. It's a process that converts used internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to run on electric power, and a proven accelerator in electric vehicle adoption, Bedeo says.

Not only is retrofitting a vehicle to run on electric power proven to extend the life of that vehicle, it also increases its residual value, making it a competitive alternative to purchasing of a new electric van, he says.

Additionally, this approach reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) as well as the financial burden of purchasing a completely new electric vehicle while minimizing the environmental impact; especially for vehicles in this category with significant elements at the rear of the vehicle, such as refrigeration units, minibus conversions and many other rear fitting applications.

Despite these benefits, the refurbishment market is seen as lacking in the UK, in a potential-rich landscape that presents a promising opportunity, ripe for smart incentives and increased regulation, as the white paper highlights, explains Bedeo.

Bedeo founder Osman Boyner said: “Renovation will be important in our (UK) quest not only for a circular economy, but also to embrace electrification, and I'm surprised they (the British government) do not do so. more to support him.

“When we see how popular Vinted and eBay are for fashion, why can't we do that with cars and vans? Why do we just have to buy new? »

Although still small in scale in the UK, companies like Bedeo are putting retrofitting on the map with their OEM-quality Reborn Electric programs.

These programs use in-wheel motors (from group company Protean Electric) to enable electric powertrain conversion, along with proven turnkey batteries and chargers, approved by Stellantis and other major suppliers, from Bedeo direct.

In the white paper, Bedeo points out that not only is the UK government not investing in financial incentives for owners wanting to upgrade their used cars, but it is also not regulating the industry in terms of safety or best practices in quality standards.

Boyner warned: “At Bedeo and Protean Electric, we have undergone our own extensive testing and validation of our retrofit solutions before offering them to fleets and private customers.

“The retrofit market is a bit like the Wild West right now: anyone can take a used EV platform, add it to a vehicle and offer it for sale. They do not have to undergo any testing or validation, and if it is a classic vehicle, no technical inspection will be necessary either.

He added: “Electrical retrofit deserves to have its own regulations, its own terms and conditions to follow before converting a vehicle and putting it on the road, for the sake of other drivers and occupants of the vehicles.

“As such, I don't think electrical refurbishment is taken as seriously here in the UK, which is why it is pushed aside in terms of not only safety but also grants.

“Retrofit is a missing link in the electrification roadmap, but to accelerate growth, the government must support and regulate it properly. »

The white paper concludes with a call to action for policy makers, industry stakeholders and fleet operators in the UK to prioritize investment in modernization technologies.

By adopting retrofit solutions, the UK can mitigate the environmental impact of diesel vans and passenger cars, improve air quality and accelerate progress towards a greener, more sustainable future, says Bedeo.

To access the full white paper and learn more about the imperative to invest in modernization solutions, click here.