Retrofitting and its benefits for fleet managers

Electric retrofitting, an opportunity for greening and cost savings for professional automotive fleets.

 

Fleet management is a major concern for many businesses, especially those using light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Regular fleet renewal is essential for ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers, but it can also represent a significant financial burden for companies, especially when it comes to replacing polluting diesel vehicles that are still in good condition. Electric retrofitting presents an attractive solution for professionals looking to green their fleet while achieving long-term savings. From an ecological standpoint, the LCV (light commercial vehicle) fleet accounts for nearly 30% of CO2 emissions in Europe (ACEA, 2020).

What are the advantages of retrofitting for greening your fleets ?

Electric retrofitting allows companies to green their fleets without having to purchase new vehicles. Electric vehicles have a much lower environmental impact than diesel or gasoline vehicles because they do not emit polluting exhaust gases. They thus contribute to reducing fine particle emissions in the air by up to 80% compared to diesel vehicles (ADEME, 2021) and up to 60% of CO2 emissions, which is beneficial for the environment and for citizens' health. Similarly, retrofitting is even more environmentally friendly than buying a new vehicle because keeping the same vehicle reduces pollution associated with scrapping the vehicle and also avoids pollution from production and transportation of new ones.

Electric retrofitting allows companies to green their fleets without having to purchase new vehicles. Electric vehicles have a much lower environmental impact than diesel or gasoline vehicles because they do not emit polluting exhaust gases. They thus contribute to reducing fine particle emissions in the air by up to 80% compared to diesel vehicles (ADEME, 2021) and up to 60% of CO2 emissions, which is beneficial for the environment and for citizens' health. Similarly, retrofitting is even more environmentally friendly than buying a new vehicle because keeping the same vehicle reduces pollution associated with scrapping the vehicle and also avoids pollution from production and transportation of new ones.

What are the long-term savings of retrofitting ?

Electric vehicles have lower operating costs compared to diesel or petrol vehicles. Fuel and maintenance costs are significantly reduced, allowing companies to save money in the long term. Additionally, retrofitted vehicles are eligible for financial assistance and tax incentives, further reducing the total cost of ownership.

A new solution for a smooth transition to electromobility ?

Electric retrofitting provides a transitional solution to electromobility for businesses that are not yet ready to transition to a 100% electric fleet. This approach allows companies to test the use of electric vehicles before committing to a full fleet renewal. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to gradually adapt their vehicle fleet to increasingly stringent environmental standards.

How long does your conversion process take ?

The conversion of a diesel or gasoline vehicle into an electric vehicle can be completed in just a few days. At CirculaCar, the conversion can be done in only 8 hours of labor, which translates to a single day of vehicle downtime. Businesses don't need to immobilize their fleet for several weeks to carry out this conversion, which is a significant advantage for companies that rely on their vehicles daily.

A better return on investment

Electric retrofit provides a quicker return on investment compared to purchasing new electric vehicles. On average, converting a vehicle costs between 15,000 and 25,000 euros, whereas buying a new electric vehicle costs around 40,000 euros (ADEME, 2020). Companies can recoup the conversion cost over a shorter period, enabling them to save money from the early months of usage.

A strong point for your RSE policy

The greening of the automotive fleet is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Electric retrofitting is a concrete solution for companies looking to reduce their environmental impact and enhance their image among customers and partners. Indeed, companies committed to sustainable development are seen as responsible actors concerned about the environment, which strengthens their credibility and attractiveness to consumers. CirculaCar offers to directly track the concrete CO2 reduction indicators of vehicles converted to electric for a company fleet through its fleet management platform.

How to capitalize on your existing vehicles ?

Electric retrofitting allows you to enhance the value of existing vehicles by giving them a second life. Instead of replacing them with new vehicles, companies can continue to use their existing fleet while reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, converted vehicles are often more reliable and efficient than diesel or gasoline vehicles, enabling companies to extend the lifespan of their fleet.

If you would like to learn more about converting vans to electric, contact-us !