Diesel van electrified with innovative technology.

author: FutureCar Staff    

BEDEO, an electric vehicle supplier and manufacturer based in Farnham, has launched an advanced retrofit solution for existing diesel vans. This solution, called the RE-100 Range Extender, is part of the Reborn Electric range and allows organizations with large van fleets to transition to an electric future while still retaining their vehicles for longer.

The RE-100 Range Extender is designed to be electric first, offering a range of 117km on electric power, making it ideal for "Last Mile" deliveries. However, it also has a diesel mode that can be used for longer trips when needed. The vehicle can switch to electric mode when entering low-emission zones and densely populated areas to eliminate emissions and contribute to decarbonization efforts.

The RE-100 utilizes two in-wheel motors and a battery that are designed, engineered, and manufactured by BEDEO. These in-wheel motors are fitted to the rear axle of the vehicle, requiring no suspension modifications to the front or rear. This means that there is no loss of ground clearance, load space, or height.

According to the company, BEDEO gained national attention in 2019 for manufacturing electric vans for major players in the "Last Mile delivery" market, such as OCADO, DHL, and TNT. Founder Osman Boyner explains that the concept of Reborn Electric provides a new business model for an industry balancing cost and sustainability goals. He states, "The traditional model of fleet owners is to invest in new vans. But electric vans today don't meet the needs of the market, and even Euro VI diesel vans still contribute a significant amount of carbon emissions. With the RE-100, we have created a new category of hybrid that meets market needs and accelerates transport decarbonization."

The RE-100 operates as a hybrid vehicle with two power modes: electric and diesel. However, due to the BEDEO technology, the vehicle cannot be operated in diesel mode within controlled low emissions zones, except in emergencies. Outside of these zones, the driver has control over when to use electric mode for a pleasant driving experience or switch to diesel mode for longer distances.

BEDEO's ability to retrofit their in-wheel motors into existing vehicles is a unique proposition. Osman explains, "BEDEO has leveraged this advanced in-wheel motor technology to develop the next generation of retrofit vehicles, unrestricted by the limitations of a standard e-axle."

This launch of the RE-100 Range Extender is particularly important for commercial fleet operators who face various challenges, including the uncertainty of government deadlines for an all-electric future. Osman believes that while transitioning to an all-electric fleet is desirable, it is also costly and wasteful, requiring investments not only in vehicles but also in supporting infrastructure.

Osman emphasizes the importance of considering the end-to-end sustainability of a vehicle, including its whole lifecycle. He argues that it is not sustainable to replace a vehicle that still has useful working life left, nor is it sustainable to replace not only the vehicle but also the refrigeration units or bespoke fit-outs that many of these vehicles have.

FutureCar Staff