FORSEE POWER: ELECTRIC RETROFIT ACCELERATES DECARBONISATION OF TRANSPORT

Retrofitting, the conversion of combustion engine vehicles to battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell engines, is on the rise. Like private individuals, fleets are being equipped: light vehicles, commercial vehicles, trucks, industrial vehicles, buses. If the purchase of a completely new solution is a widely favoured option until now, why not consider retrofitting as an alternative to ensure the energy transition of a fleet?

Electric retrofit, a credible alternative to accelerate the energy transition by limiting costs and extending the life of vehicles in operation

Retrofitting is gaining popularity among transport players since it limits the investment and extends 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”.

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 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 power train is adapted. All other components are reused/reintegrated to ensure a controlled price while maintaining its performance.

Buses and coaches eligible for electric retrofit

Urban public transport vehicles such as buses or coaches older than 5 years are eligible for retrofitting. In France, for example, this represents 35,000 coaches. The proliferation of low emission zones (LEZ) is forcing operators to find innovative solutions to convert their fleet of thermal vehicles into electric vehicles. The argument of cost control, therefore, makes retrofitting a key solution for these players, 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 and enables electric vehicles to be electrified. As an expert in intelligent battery systems for sustainable electromobility, Forsee Power has all the technical solutions to transform diesel or gas vehicles into 100% battery or hydrogen-electric vehicles.

www.forseepower.com