Bedeo calls for Government support to retrofit LCVs to cut emissions

Bedeo is calling on the Government to support electric retrofitting for large vans after research showed the impact of emissions from light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

The McKinsey and Company report on pollution showed that LCVs are the largest single contributor within the logistics industry, responsible for 40% of emissions.

Bedeo believes that high upfront costs, limited availability, and perceived reductions in load space are significant barriers to buying brand-new electric vans.

However, it says that retrofitting an electric powertrain provides a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a brand-new plug-in van.

Osman Boyner, founder and CEO of Bedeo, said: “LCVs are the backbone of the logistics industry – however, we need to rethink the way we power them (mainly with fossil fuels) and offer cost-effective electric versions now, and not just wait until they’re banned – that could be in 2030, 2035 or even beyond that.

“Our solution is to offer retrofitting. Retrofitting electric powertrains is a pragmatic solution to achieve a faster LCV transition to net zero.

“The ‘TCO2’ approach, as we have coined it, combines total cost of ownership and CO2 considerations, offering a sustainable and economically viable path forward for large van fleets across the country.”

Bedeo is urging large van fleets and regulators to recognise the potential of electric retrofitting, particularly with its Stellantis-approved Reborn Electric system, which adds an electric powertrain to ageing diesel vans, giving them a new lease of life.

This method is the subject of Bedeo's whitepaper, titled ‘Accelerating the Transition, Supporting our Businesses: Enabling Low-Emission Fleets with Retrofit Electrification’.

Boyner Continued: “We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our retrofit solution ensures a lower TCO compared to investing in entirely new (large van/LCV) fleets, with operators able to realise savings on fuel and maintenance while also allowing for operational continuity – retrofitting can be accomplished with minimal downtime, ensuring that fleet operations remain uninterrupted.

“The UK van industry truly is at a pivotal moment. Without swift action and the adoption of innovative solutions like our in-wheel motor technology, we risk falling short of our impending net-zero goals.

“We urge the Government to recognise and support these alternative electrification pathways, which not only make economic sense – for both the country and fleet managers everywhere – but are crucial for achieving our environmental commitments.”