- BEDEO has issued an open letter to UK Government officials, urging immediate action to support the large van fleet sector in meeting net-zero targets
- Under the UK ZEV mandate, 70 per cent of new vans sold in Great Britain must be zero emission by 2030, with a full phase-out of diesel LCV sales by 2035
- Today, BEV 3.5–4.25t represents just 0.5 per cent market share*, and BEV >3.5t sits at 5.3 per cent – lower than in 2023*
- BEDEO predicts even the ‘greenest’ fleet owners will have a difficulty to turn more than 50 per cent of their fleet into zero-emissions due to range, cost and payload barriers
- In its open letter, BEDEO calls for Range Extender Large Vans eligibility under grant schemes, updates to B licence weight limits, and formal recognition of retrofitting as a net-zero pathway
- BEDEO’s Reborn Electric is a Range Extender, featuring proprietary retrofitting technology, is optimised for urban routes, offering more than 62 miles of fully electric driving per charge
- Proven effective in real-world use, the RE-100 is helping large and small fleets achieve substantial reductions in CO2 emissions and operational costs without reducing efficiencies
- New market demand includes a letter of intent from fleet operators for 500 vehicles using BEDEO retrofit technology
- To explore BEDEO’s solutions, or for more information about its services and offerings, please visit bedeo.tech
Farnham, 7th May 2025:
BEDEO, a UK-based pioneer in large van electrification and retrofit technology, has issued a direct appeal to the UK Government, warning that the large van sector may fall dangerously short of the UK’s ZEV and net-zero targets without urgent intervention.
In its formal open letter, BEDEO highlights that today, large battery-electric vans remain a niche market – BEVs in the 3.5–4.25t category represent just 0.5 per cent market share, and BEVs over 3.5t sit at 5.3 per cent – lower than 2023 levels*. With fleet operators citing concerns around payload loss, range limitations, and cost, BEDEO forecasts that by 2030 even the ‘greenest’ fleet owners will have a difficulty to turn more than 50 per cent of their fleet into zero-emissions due to range, cost and payload barriers.
This stands in sharp contrast to the UK ZEV mandate, which requires 70 per cent of new vans sold by 2030 to be zero-emission – and the Government’s latest announcement, made by the Prime Minister in April 2025, that all new diesel van sales must end by 2035.
“Electric vans just don’t have the same payload as diesel – it’s not even close,” warns Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Fleet managers tell us they’re ready to convert 60 to 70 per cent of diesel vans – but not until cost and performance improve. Today, they’re ready for Range Extender and retrofit – but they need Government support.”
BEDEO’s Reborn Electric solutions, including the RE-100 Range Extender, have already demonstrated real-world effectiveness. The RE-100 delivers more than 100 km (62 miles) of fully electric driving per charge – enough for most urban delivery cycles – while retaining the original diesel engine and performance of the base vehicle. However, the payload has been restricted, which is what BEDEO is also lobbying for legislative change, to ensure large van fleet operators are not at a disadvantage by choosing to retrofit – the greener and cheaper alternative choice of electrification.
Fleets, including large and small vans, have already adopted BEDEO’s retrofit technology, achieving significant CO₂ reductions and cost savings – all without replacing their existing vehicles. The system maximises vehicle lifespan and avoids the environmental impact of scrappage. New demand is growing. BEDEO confirms that it has received a letter of intent from fleet operators to purchase 500 retrofitted vehicles, highlighting growing commercial confidence in the solution.
In its open letter, BEDEO outlines three immediate policy changes required to support adoption of retrofit and hybrid electrification:
- Grant scheme inclusion: Range Extender technologies should be eligible for inclusion in Alternative Fuelled Vehicle (AFV) grant programmes to reflect their critical role in transitioning fleets.
- Licence weight tolerance adjustments: amendments to include Range Extender vehicles in the B licence 4.25t weight limit, currently granted only to fully electric, fuel cell or hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- Formal recognition in decarbonisation policy: Retrofit Range Extender solutions must be acknowledged in official pathways to net-zero as viable, scalable, and urgently needed transitional technology.
BEDEO has also written to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on this matter, and seeks urgent clarification on why Range Extender technology is permitted in London black cabs but not currently recognised for goods transport vehicles under the same technological principle. The letters have been sent to all aspects of the UK Government including Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport and Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, among many other MPs and policy makers.
“The logistics industry is the backbone of the UK economy,” says Boyner. “According to McKinsey & Company**, LCVs are the single largest contributor to logistics-related emissions, responsible for 40 per cent. If the UK wants to lead on decarbonisation, we need pragmatic and scalable solutions now – and retrofit is one of the most impactful tools we have to reduce emissions without delay or disruption.”
BEDEO stands ready to work with policymakers, fleet operators and industry leaders to shape practical pathways to a net-zero transport future.
For further information or to discuss BEDEO’s retrofit solutions, please visit bedeo.tech.
– Ends –
** Decarbonizing logistics: Charting the path ahead
About BEDEO
BEDEO (formerly BD Auto) has established itself, and its group companies, as one of the most trailblazing, transformative and trusted vehicle electrification technology providers globally.
Founded in 2009 by Osman Boyner, the company is headquartered in Farnham, UK, with manufacturing in Turkey and China. BEDEO’s vision is to decarbonise the LCV industry utilising its proprietary, in-house manufactured electrification solutions, including but not limited to: its in-wheel motor (IWM) technology, inverter, battery pack and cabling.
Today, BEDEO Group, which consists of BEDEO and Protean Electric, collectively hold over 300 patents and OEM production credentials in safety, production and homologation. Focusing on the next generation of decarbonisation solutions, BEDEO Group continues to develop technology IP to lead the path for a cleaner, more connected future.
Approved by leading OEM group Stellantis, BEDEO can fit Reborn Electric solutions to a wide range of large commercial vans including the Citroën Jumper, Fiat Ducato, the Peugeot Boxer and Vauxhall / Opel Movano (brand depending on market), with the intention to be a solution provider for all large vans.
BEDEO’s transformative approach and unmatched time-to-market speed have also made it the partner of choice for over forty blue-chip customers in logistics, e-commerce, online grocery and food retail, and urban waste management including Aras-Kargo, DHL, DPD, Migros, Ocado and TNT / FedEx among others.
With a focus on making a radical impact on decarbonisation in city centres and accelerating the overall transition to fleet electrification, BEDEO recently introduced an innovative and advanced retrofit solution (named Reborn Electric), converting existing diesel vans into electric or range extended using IWM technology, solving range anxiety issues and low-emission concerns in one solution.
With a commitment to sustainable mobility, BEDEO is actively expanding into the marine and aviation markets.
For more information, visit bedeo.tech.
Media Contact
Hannah Burgess
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