A whitepaper published by Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BEDEO, has revealed major policy gaps in the UK EV retrofit market.
The paper, titled “Accelerating the Transition, Supporting our Businesses: Enabling Low-Emission Fleets with Retrofit Electrification” has highlighted the need for increased regulatory measures to uphold retrofitting safety and quality standards.
The paper also recommends introducing incentives to encourage vehicle retrofitting.
Retrofitting involves upgrading an existing vehicle by replacing its internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing it to operate on electric power instead of petrol.
It emerges as an attractive, affordable alternative to buying new. On top of environmental benefits, the practice can extend a vehicle’s lifespan, increase its residual value and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Already popular across Europe, the opportunities in the UK are substantial.
On the topic, BEDEO founder, Osman Boyner said: “Retrofit is going to be important in our (the UK’s) quest for not only a circular economy, but also to adopt electrification, and I’m surprised they (the UK Government) aren’t doing more to support it.”
Boyner added: “When you look at how popular Vinted and eBay are for fashion – why can’t we do that with cars and vans? Why do we have to just buy new?”
Some UK companies are stepping up to fill the gap in the market. But without investment and regulatory backing from the UK Government, Boyner describes the retrofitting market as “a bit of a ‘wild west’ at the moment.”
The whitepaper finishes by asking the UK Government, industry leaders and fleet operators to prioritise retrofitting technology and regulatory investment. Boyner concludes: “Through concerted efforts to accelerate the transition to retrofit electric vans, we can realise significant environmental benefits, drive innovation, and create a greener, more resilient future for all”.
