Electric retrofit accelerates decarbonisation of transport
Electric retrofitting meets the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050 by electrifying vehicle fleets on a massive scale, from private cars to fleets: light vehicles, commercial vehicles, lorries, industrial vehicles and buses.
While the purchase of a completely new solution has been a popular option until now, why not consider retrofitting as an alternative way of ensuring a fleet’s energy transition?
Electric retrofit, a credible alternative to accelerate the energy transition by limiting costs and extending the life of vehicles in operation
Retrofitting, the conversion of combustion engine vehicles to battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell engines, is on the rise. It is even a subject that all transport players are talking about because the promise is encouraging: limit the investment and extend the useful life of the vehicle in operation for zero emission electromobility!
In concrete terms, the combustion engine, exhaust and tank are removed and replaced by an electric motor and a battery, or alternatively, a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank for hydrogen retrofit. Once the modifications have been made, the vehicle is powered by electric energy and is therefore totally “green” and offers greater efficiency, safety and a longer lifespan.
The investment is modest compared to the purchase of a new electric vehicle – about 1,000 euros for a retrofitted two-wheeler compared to 4,000 euros for a new electric scooter, 250,000 euros for a retrofitted bus compared to about 600,000 euros for a new electric bus – because only the powertrain is adapted. All other components are reused/reintegrated to ensure a controlled price while maintaining the vehicle’s performance.
As proof of the recognition of the potential of the retrofit solution, some governments, including France, are releasing aid to support the sector and accelerate its deployment. Additional funding and support is also provided by organisations involved in the fight against climate change, such as ADEME in France.
Buses and coaches eligible for electric retrofit
Urban public transport vehicles such as buses and coaches over 5 years old are eligible for retrofitting. In France, for example, this represents 35,000 coaches.
Considered as heavy vehicles, buses and coaches are among the biggest consumers of fuel and therefore the most polluting. And above all, they travel in urban areas.
The proliferation of low-emission zones (LEZs) is forcing operators to come up with innovative solutions, without losing sight of the safety, operability and maintenance aspects.
Forsee Power is a key player in the electrical retrofit process for heavy vehicles
The battery is the main component of the retrofit kit, making it possible to electrify electric vehicles. As an expert in intelligent battery systems for sustainable electromobility, Forsee Power has all the technical solutions needed to transform diesel or gas vehicles into 100% battery-electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.
We will be supplying 49 ZEN SLIM battery systems to equip the school buses converted to electric by the French company GREENMOT for the Rouen Normandy Metropolis.
This is the first public order for electrically retrofitted school buses in France.
We are also working on numerous retrofit projects for trucks and other industrial vehicles around the world. Retrofitting is now a credible alternative to the purchase of new vehicles to accelerate the energy transition of vehicle fleets.
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