Diesel van transformed into an electric vehicle.

author: FutureCar Staff    

An innovative retrofit solution has been launched by BEDEO, an electric vehicle supplier and manufacturer based in Farnham. The solution, called the RE-100 Range Extender, is part of BEDEO's Reborn Electric range and is designed to fit existing diesel vans. It allows these vans to be electric or diesel at the touch of a button, thanks to its in-wheel motor (IWM) technology.

The RE-100 Range Extender is particularly useful for organizations with large van fleets that require major conversions. It enables these organizations to retain their vehicles for longer while transitioning to an electric future. The vehicle fitted with the RE-100 Range Extender operates primarily in electric mode, with a range of 117km, making it ideal for 'Last Mile' deliveries. However, it can switch to diesel mode for longer trips or when entering low-emission zones and densely populated areas to reduce emissions and accelerate decarbonization.

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

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. The founder of BEDEO, Osman Boyner, explains that the concept of Reborn Electric provides a new business model for an industry balancing cost and sustainability. He emphasizes that while electric vans and Euro VI diesel vans do not fully meet market needs or reduce carbon emissions significantly, the RE-100 offers a hybrid solution that accelerates transport decarbonization.

The RE-100 operates in two power modes - electric and diesel. However, the BEDEO technology restricts the use of diesel mode within controlled low-emissions zones, except for 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 its IWM technology into existing vehicles is a unique proposition. Osman Boyner explains that BEDEO has leveraged advanced IWM technology to develop the next generation of retrofit vehicles, without the limitations of a standard e-axle.

The launch of the RE-100 is particularly significant for commercial fleet operators who face numerous challenges in the coming years. These challenges include uncertainty regarding government deadlines for an all-electric future. Osman Boyner believes that while transitioning to an all-electric fleet is desirable, it is also expensive and wasteful. It requires not only investment in the vehicles themselves but also the infrastructure to support them. He emphasizes the importance of considering the end-to-end sustainability of a vehicle, including its whole lifecycle and the associated refrigeration units or bespoke fit-outs.

FutureCar Staff