From commercial vehicles and cranes to custom indicator lights and insurance, the Road Transport Expo (RTX) in Stoneleigh showcased it all. Aptly tagged as ‘the one-stop industry event that’s all about the truck and everything related to it’, RTX was a haven for transport enthusiasts and professionals alike.

As visitors arrived, they were greeted by the friendly RTX staff amidst a backdrop of blue Scania merchandise and ticketing machines. The Coventry countryside, punctuated by a vibrant array of cranes, set the scene for a day filled with the latest in transport technology and innovation. Over 170 exhibitors showcased thousands of vehicles, parts and components, making the expo a treasure trove for anyone involved in the transport industry.

The event was rich with insightful talks on diverse topics from industry giants like MAN Truck & Bus, the Metropolitan Police, and Motor Transport Magazine. A recurring theme throughout the day was sustainability and the Road to Net Zero. Both big corporations and smaller independent companies presented their latest efforts and innovations aimed at achieving this common and critical goal.

One standout was Mercedes-Benz with its new electric truck, the eActros, which boasts an impressive range of 400 km. This engineering marvel represents a significant step towards the UK’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2035, demonstrating the substantial progress being made in electric vehicle (EV) technology. Witnessing such advancements firsthand was nothing short of awe-inspiring, illustrating the tangible progression being made by research and development.

While many companies showcased fully electrified vehicles designed to replace traditional diesel-powered fleets, BEDEO was one such company which offered an innovative alternative. The high costs associated with new electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) and conversions can be prohibitive, with prices for new eLCVs averaging £43,000 and potentially exceeding £70,000 with customisations – such as specialist racking, refrigeration units, or any other specialised customisations and outfits for the purpose needed. Conversions start from £30,000, not including any maintenance or modifications made to the vehicle in the process, making them a substantial financial commitment for any company.

In contrast, a brand-new diesel van typically costs around £27,000 but comes with caveats – the ever-rising price of diesel, expensive maintenance, once again, custom fit outs, in addition to emissions and impact on the environment. But innovative retrofitting solutions offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. BEDEO, alongside its sister company Protean Electric, for example, has developed a solution that is sustainable, cost-effective, and offers substantial range: the “TCO2” approach, which combines the Total Cost of Ownership with CO2 considerations.

Protean Electric’s ‘in-wheel motor’, powered by a battery, can be retrofitted and installed into already existing vehicles with limited disruption or invasion. BEDEO’s ‘Reborn Electric’ approach proposes retrofitting Protean Electric’s tech to pre-existing diesel vans that already dominate the LCV fleet industry. Therefore, there is no need for a company to de-fleet existing vehicles that already invested time and money into customisation. Instead, the engine and van itself remain intact, with in-wheel motors being placed into the rear wheels, and a battery in front of the rear axle. This immediately transforms the vehicle into an electric hybrid, allowing drivers to leverage the electric components, with the diesel engine as a back-up option, reducing emissions and alleviating range anxiety. The cost? Approximately £20,000, with the conversion taking less than two weeks.

Compared to full EVs, these in-wheel motors do not ask for a considerable amount of compromise, as there is minimal weight load being compromised (up to 500kg), a significantly lower cost incurrence, and an intelligent system that allows for the electric component to be the primary driving force of the vehicle (about 85 per cent of the time, according to BEDEO). BEDEO ‘s recent success in retrofitting a Land Rover Defender 110 prototype demonstrates the broad applicability of this technology, with this advancement potentially particularly beneficial for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) that rely heavily on fleets of LCVs.

The progress showcased at RTX gives hope that significant advancements are being made on the road to net zero, especially within industries that depend on efficient, safe and frequent travel across the country. With pioneering companies like BEDEO and innovations like the eActros leading the way, the future of road transport looks promisingly green.

Here at HBPR, we are passionate about the length and breadth of the automotive industry – from restomod classic cars to EVs and fleets – and are continuously looking ahead to ensure that the future for the automotive world is evolving and safe for the generations to come. If you have any questions about the industry, or are looking for some PR support in any corner of automotive, please do get in touch at hannah@hannahburgesspr.com. Our door is always open.

Read BEDEO’s Whitepaper, ‘Accelerating the Transition: Supporting our Businesses’ to learn more:

https://bedeo.tech/whitepaper-accelerating-the-transition-supporting-our-businesses/