Although the transition to electric power seems to be in full swing in many parts of the world, it is just that: a transition. And while the world goes green, there are plenty of perfectly good older vehicles that can be made electric with technology from companies like the UK’s Bedeo.
Its new RE-100 Range Extender helps companies with large fleets of vans electrify their vehicles. The technology gives drivers the freedom to switch from a vehicle’s standard diesel engine to a newly added electric powertrain.
The RE-100 Range Extender is made up of two in-wheel motors and a battery, all of which are designed by Bedeo. The compact, light, and efficient motors require little to no extra space, meaning that the diesel engine can stay in place. Meanwhile, the 37 kWh battery pack is small, meaning that no modifications to the suspension are required.
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The whole system offers drivers up to 73 miles (117 km) of range, which makes it well suited to last mile deliveries. However, Bedeo argues that the short range was selected by design. It means that in low emissions zones, a vehicle can drive freely and silently, and it can lean on the diesel engine for longer-distance highway trips.
“With the RE-100 we have created a new category of hybrid that not only meets the needs of the market but also accelerates transport decarbonization,” said Osman Boyner, founder of Bedeo. “While sustainability is, of course, a key driver, the end-to-end sustainability (whole lifecycle) of the vehicle also needs to be taken into account.”
Boyner accepts that EVs pollute less than traditional vans on the road, but argues that simply throwing existing vehicles out is wasteful. Moreover, many fleet companies have paid for expensive equipment like a refrigerator unit, and this conversion kit allows them to retrofit those vehicles with a PHEV system.
Bedeo says that its RE-100 Range Extender can be equipped to large commercial vehicles like the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, the Fiat Ducato and Vauxhall Movano, but it intends to be able to convert all large vans in the future.
