Retrofit: Converting Your Old Thermal Vehicle Into An Electric Vehicle
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On April 3, the General Directorate of Energy and Climate published the modernization decree in the Official Gazette. This technology, aimed at converting a thermal imager into an electric car, is giving a second life to his old car.
How does modernization work and, above all, how is it regulated in France? Zeplug will explain everything to you.
How to turn a diesel or gasoline car into an electric car?
What is electrical retrofit?
Modernization, which translated from English means "update", consists of turn a thermal imaging car into an electric car... The principle is to replace your vehicle's gasoline or diesel heat engine with an electric vehicle battery. Retrofit allows for the transition to electric mobility while keeping your old thermal imager from disposal.
What kind of cars can we upgrade?
The retrofit applies to the following vehicles:
- Category M: Cars and light commercial vehicles.
- Category N: Trucks, buses and coaches
- Category L: Motorized two- and three-wheeled vehicles.
Modernization applies to all cars have been registered in France for over 5 years. For cars of category L, the driving experience is reduced to 3 years.... Newer vehicle models can also be converted if the manufacturer of the conversion device has received approval from the vehicle manufacturer. On the other hand, vehicles with a collection registration card and agricultural machinery cannot be converted to electric vehicles.
Our partner Phoenix Mobility offers truck retrofit solutions (vans, light trucks, special tow trucks) that save money and drive safely with the Crit'Air 0 sticker.
How much does the upgrade cost?
Modernization remains an expensive practice today. Indeed, the cost of converting a thermal imager to an electric vehicle starts from 8 euros for a small battery with a range of 000 km and can go up to more than 75 50 euros. The average price range for retrofitting is still between 15 and 000 euros., which is almost equal to the price of a new electric car after deducting various aids.
What does the modernization law say?
Who can upgrade a thermal imager?
No one can turn a diesel locomotive into an electric car. So don't think about installing an electric motor on a gasoline or diesel car yourself. Indeed, according to article 3-4 of the decree of March 13, 2020, Only an installer approved by the converter manufacturer and using an approved converter can install a new electric motor in an internal combustion vehicle.... In other words, you must go to an approved professional to be able to retrofit your vehicle.
What rules need to be followed?
The conversion of a thermal vehicle to an electric vehicle is governed by certain rules determined by the decree of March 13, 2020 on the conditions for converting vehicles with heat engines to electric batteries or fuel cell engines. It is virtually impossible to modify your vehicle on your own.
The certified installer must comply with the following points:
- battery: Electrical retrofitting is possible with the engine powered by a traction battery or a hydrogen fuel cell.
- Vehicle dimensions : The dimensions of the base vehicle must not be changed during conversion.
- engine : The power of the new electric motor should be between 65% and 100% of the original engine power of the converted thermal vehicle.
- Vehicle weight : The weight of the retrofitted vehicle should not change by more than 20% after the conversion.
What help is provided for upgrades?
Refit Bonus
Из 1er In June 2020 and the announcements of the car restoration plan, the conversion bonus also applies to the electric retrofit. In fact, people looking to install an electric motor on their old car can get a conversion bonus of no more than € 5.
The conditions for receiving the upgrade bonus are as follows:
- Adult living in France
- Converting your vehicle's heat engine to a battery or fuel cell electric motor by an authorized technician.
- The car was purchased for at least 1 year
- Do not sell the vehicle within 6 months from the date of purchase or before driving at least 6 km.
Regional assistance for modernization
- Ile-de-France: Professionals (SMEs and VSE) residing in the Ile-de-France region can receive modernization assistance at a cost of € 2500. A vote for providing assistance to individuals will take place in October 2020.
- Grenoble-Alpes Métropole: Residents of the metropolis of Grenoble can receive modernization assistance of € 7200 for individuals and € 6 for companies with fewer than 000 employees.
In short, the Retrofit is the perfect solution for those who want to reduce their CO2 emissions without changing their car. However, this practice is still negligible, and in addition to the high price, the autonomy of the transformed car will always be lower than that of a conventional electric car. In fact, modernized cars have an average real range of 80 km.
Are you tempted by the electrification of a thermal imager? Zeplug offers electric vehicle charging solutions free of charge for the condominium and no management for the property manager.
