Ending the ICE age: What Can the US Learn From EU Retrofit Studies?
Internal combustion engines (ICE) are losing their vice-like grip on the automotive world. Fossil fuel vehicles, once the backbone of transportation, are now glaring relics of the unsustainable past. While the European Union (EU) has made strides toward phasing out ICE vehicles, especially in light of the Paris Agreement and the push for a 1.5°C scenario, their efforts are still not exactly a silver bullet. Meanwhile, the U.S. is debating how best to tackle this moment. The burning question is: can the U.S. take notes from the EU?
Let’s look at what the EU is doing with EV retrofits and what lessons the U.S. can apply to its own clean transportation ambitions.
The EU’s Vision for EV Retrofitting
In Europe, the idea of EV retrofits is gaining traction—with less momentum behind personal car conversions (like in the US), and more for fleets of vans and commercial/public vehicles that make up the workhorses of transportation. The logic is simple: rather than scrapping entire fleets, why not retrofit them to run on electricity? This approach aligns addressing two major challenges: reducing carbon emissions and vehicle waste.
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A 2023 EU study highlighted that converting just 10% of existing vehicles could slash CO₂ emissions by 16 million tons annually. While these numbers are compelling, the reality is more nuanced. Retrofitting a vehicle in the EU involves navigating a maze of regulations. For instance, each retrofit requires approval from the manufacturer and regulatory certification for every new model, making the process time-consuming and costly. This is particularly challenging in countries like France, where retrofitting a car and getting it on the road is notoriously complex.
Despite these obstacles, European governments are incentivizing retrofits through tax breaks, subsidies, and simplified regulations for specific sectors, such as public transit and commercial fleets. These initiatives create a pathway for retrofits to thrive—not just for individuals, but for businesses and municipalities looking to electrify at scale.
Why the US Hasn’t Embraced Electric Vehicle Conversions
Despite the obvious benefits, the U.S. has been slower to adopt retrofitting as a viable option. The reasons are as much structural as they are cultural.
First, there’s the regulatory maze. In the EU, despite the challenges, there is at least some movement toward standardization in retrofitting processes. In the U.S., however, regulations vary wildly by state, with no unified federal framework to streamline retrofitting certifications. This patchwork approach creates a barrier for retrofitting businesses and potential adopters.
Second, cost dynamics play a huge role. Without consistent national subsidies or tax incentives like those in Europe, retrofitting remains an expensive option for many Americans. A classic car enthusiast might bite the bullet, but for the average driver, the upfront cost is a deterrent.
Finally, there’s a lack of awareness. In the U.S., the EV conversation is dominated by Tesla, Rivian, and other automakers touting brand-new electric models. Retrofitting doesn’t get the same spotlight, leaving many potential adopters unaware it’s even an option.
Lessons the US Can Learn from the EU: Sustainable Car Technology
While the EU retrofit ecosystem is far from perfect, there are still valuable takeaways for the U.S.:
Build a Consistent Policy Framework: The U.S. can’t copy and paste the EU’s policies, especially given its regulatory hurdles. Instead, it should focus on creating a streamlined, federally supported framework for retrofitting certifications. This could include tax incentives for retrofit kits, grants for public transit electrification, and support for small businesses specializing in retrofits.
Focus on Fleets: The EU is targeting commercial fleets, not just one-off projects. In the U.S., electrifying delivery vans, school buses, and city transit could create a massive ripple effect. Businesses like TOLV, which converts vans for Renault in Europe, provide a model the U.S. could replicate at scale.
Educate and Raise Awareness: The U.S. needs campaigns that position fleet retrofits as a practical, sustainable alternative to buying large amounts of new EVs. This could involve showcasing success stories, like retrofitted urban delivery vehicles reducing emissions in cities or repurposed school buses providing cleaner air for students. One example is TOLV converting vans for the manufacturer Renault itself.
Invest in Infrastructure: Without sufficient charging networks, retrofitted vehicles—and new EVs—can’t reach their full potential. The U.S. must prioritize building public and private charging infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, to ensure retrofitted fleets can operate seamlessly.
Opportunities Beyond Passenger Cars
One of the EU’s key focuses is on retrofitting work vehicles and public transit, areas where electrification can have the biggest impact. However, the process is far from simple. For each vehicle retrofitted, the process includes sourcing a donor vehicle, installing the retrofit kit, and re-registering the car with public authorities. While light retrofits can be done locally by trained repair shops, heavier retrofits often require centralized factory operations—a model the U.S. could adapt to scale retrofitting across its vast geography.
In the U.S., targeting fleets such as school buses, city transit, and even construction equipment represents a massive opportunity for emissions reduction. These vehicles operate daily, meaning their impact is immediate and visible in urban communities.
Why Retrofitting is Perfect for the US
Retrofitting is about preserving what Americans love most about their vehicles. Whether it’s a family SUV, a beloved pickup, or a vintage muscle car, retrofitting lets owners keep their connection to their vehicles while stepping into a cleaner future.
On a larger scale, building a retrofit industry would create new jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, supporting local economies and driving innovation. It’s also a faster path to electrification, reducing reliance on the slow and resource-intensive process of manufacturing brand-new EVs.
The Path Forward
The U.S. has an opportunity to lead in retrofitting—and it requires action. It’s possible for the nation to make retrofitting a viable option for millions of Americans.
As we look to the future, retrofitting offers a way to embrace sustainability without sacrificing the vehicles we love. It’s not just about ending the ICE age; it’s about reimagining transportation in a way that honors our past while protecting our future.
The question isn’t if retrofitting will happen—it’s how soon the U.S. will get started. With the right strategies in place, the answer could be sooner than we think.
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