EV retrofitting, the process of converting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles, is gaining traction as a way to reduce emissions and extend the lifespan of older vehicles. This involves replacing the engine, fuel tank, and other related components with electric motor, battery packs, and other necessary parts. While offering potential cost savings and environmental benefits, retrofitting presents challenges in terms of cost, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Benefits of EV Retrofitting:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint:
Retrofitting helps lower carbon emissions from existing vehicles, contributing to a greener transportation sector.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
Retrofitting can be a more affordable option than purchasing a new electric vehicle, especially for those with older, well-maintained vehicles.
- Extending Vehicle Lifespan:
It allows owners to continue using their vehicles while transitioning to electric power, avoiding premature scrapping.
- Lower Running Costs:
Electric vehicles generally have lower operating costs due to cheaper electricity compared to gasoline or diesel.
- Reduced Maintenance:
EVs require less maintenance than ICE vehicles.
Challenges of EV Retrofitting:
- High Battery Costs:
Batteries are a significant expense in the retrofitting process, often accounting for a large portion of the overall cost.
- Compatibility Issues:
Ensuring compatibility between different vehicle components and the electric powertrain can be complex.
- Safety and Regulatory Compliance:
Retrofitted vehicles must meet safety standards and comply with regulations, which can vary by location.
- Cost of Conversion:
The overall cost of retrofitting can be substantial, potentially reaching 60-70% of the cost of a new EV.
- Lack of Warranty:
Retrofitted vehicles may not come with the same warranties as new EVs.
- Availability of Kits and Installers:
Finding qualified installers and reliable conversion kits can be challenging, particularly in some regions.
Current Scenario and Future Prospects:
- Emerging Market:
Retrofitting is a growing market, with startups and companies offering conversion services, particularly in India.
- Government Initiatives:
Some governments are introducing policies and incentives to encourage retrofitting as a way to promote electric mobility.
- Technological Advancements:
Ongoing advancements in electric vehicle technology are making retrofitting more feasible and efficient.
In Conclusion:
EV retrofitting offers a promising path towards a greener transportation future by repurposing existing vehicles and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. While challenges exist, ongoing technological advancements and supportive policies can help accelerate the adoption of retrofitting as a viable alternative to new EV purchases.
Sarvesh provide services for Retrofitting EV Kit on existing IC engine vehicles, and for manufacturing the various components required for EV.
Retrofitting existing ICE Bus with EV Kit
ELECTRIC BUS is one of the most exciting EV market in India.
In the near future the market for all electric vehicles and components in India will be huge. If one can go in to this business at this stage, when there is total vacuum, can enjoy benefits of leader.
With pollution levels going high and global warming the vehicles using fuel are being replaced with non polluting all electric vehicles.
Retrofitting the electric kit is a best solution, As the old vehicles can get new life and can be brought back on road by replacing the IC Engine, Gear box, and transmission. By retrofitting we can create an asset out of old vehicle, which probably has no value.
Retrofitting helps in Cost savings, implementation of re-use concept, best option for individuals, & Reduced load on recycling, Faster roll out,
- Reduce – Use of oil & Emissions –Braking loss, transmission loss, Engine loss, Standby/idle loss.
- Reuse – Existing vehicle, pocket friendly, minimize the resources consumption
- Recycle – Used components from old automobiles
We offer retrofit kit from the OEM manufacturer from Europe.
Retrofitting Existing Petrol/Diesel Rickshaw to Electric Rickshaw
Sarvesh wish to be a leader in offering sustainable mobility to mass transport in major cities, at affordable price and up lift the life of the Rickshaw Drivers. We intent to retrofit about 10,000 ICE Rickshaw with EV kit in the span of 5 years.
Existing auto Rickshaw with Petrol/Diesel registered in between 2010-2015. This is particularly as the old Rickshaw is having higher tail pipe emission.
The Business
Retrofitting existing ICE Rickshaw with EV kit to convert it in to Electric Rickshaw.
The project commercial operation will be done in a hired work shop as no of work shops are available on the affordable rent. It not a wise decision to spend initially on the Fixed assets as the costs are very high in Pune.
The preferred area will be like Warje, Dhairy, Chakan, Bhosari etc.
The shed required for the activity is about 500 SQ meter with 6 meter clear height, preferable with mezzanine floor on half of the are for storage and office block. The open space of about 200 SQ meter is also required for storage, charging facility etc.
Management Ownership
Since Sarvesh is in the business of consultation, we will develop the product, get it approved from ARAI and will be run by the third party.
Unique Selling Point
Low operating cost of Rs 0.4 per KM as compared to Rs 4 per KM, there by additional take home income of about 700 to 1000 RS to the driver/owner.
Value to customer
The old Rickshaw which has very low book valve can create a new value after retrofitting EV kit and the life is extended at least by 10 year.
The Rickshaw owner will have higher take home income of about 700 to 1000 RS per day. The quality of ride will be improved and as such the driver can operate the Rickshaw for extended hours to get additional income.
Growth Potential
Growth potential is extremely high, if the franchisee operations are done and out lets in all major cities are created for retrofitting, in 5 years more than 100,000 plus Rickshaw can be converted to Electric Rickshaw.
Electrification of auto-rickshaws plays an important role in meeting the transport requirement of many large and medium Indian cities, and is critical for reducing air pollution and providing clean mobility solutions.