Retrofitting for the Planet
Retrofitting transforms an I.C.E. vehicle into an electric one by replacing the petrol/diesel engine and fuel tank with an electric motor and battery.
Valeo's 'I Care for the Planet' program aims to reduce the environmental impact of the automotive aftermarket. Thanks to its parts for EV, Valeo contributes to making the switch to electric vehicles easier.
Regulations to Restrictions
Around the world, regulations for emissions have become increasingly severe, and major cities are implementing low-emission zones — and sometimes even outright diesel bans — to combat air pollution and meet climate targets.
Since most light commercial vehicles (LCVs) run on diesel, the ban on entry into cities has a direct impact on many businesses. In order to continue operating, LCV drivers, fleet owners, and small businesses are required to urgently switch to electric vehicles. Since buying new electric vehicles is expensive, retrofit is the perfect alternative.
A Solution is at Hand
To help businesses survive in the city, Valeo, a leading automotive supplier in Electrification, offers a range of products and solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) that can also be used for retrofitting conventional vehicles into EVs:
- e-motors
- OBC DCDC
- Inverters
- HV heaters
- Electric driven compressors (EDC)
These components can all be integrated into retrofit projects and help convert Internal Combustion Engine (I.C.E.) LCVs into electric ones.
Benefits of Retrofitting
- Economics: The cost saving of converting existing vehicles into electric vehicles is estimated to be about 50% the cost of buying a new eLCV*. Not only is buying new electric LCVs expensive, there are also few electric options available.
- Environment: Beyond the economic considerations, retrofitting also contributes to automotive decarbonization. Retrofitting LCVs saves at least 50% CO2 emissions over 10 years*. And by not scrapping the vehicle, retrofitting also contributes to the circular economy.
- Government Support: In recognition of how retrofitting can be important in transitioning to cleaner transportation, governments are increasingly offering incentives and support programs to facilitate retrofitting. What’s more, some governments, like France, are gradually reducing subsidies for buying new electric vehicles, which further enhances the economic appeal of retrofitting.
*source ADEME
Converting I.C.E cars into electric vehicles for a more sustainable future
In Europe, there are more than 30 million active LCVs facing the challenge of entering urban spaces. With its automotive electrification expertise and established relationships, Valeo is well-placed to support the retrofit industry and help convert part of the LCV car parc into electric vehicles for the future.
