A recent study conducted by Empa suggests that e-retrofitting—the process of converting traditional diesel buses into battery-electric vehicles—could be the key to meeting urgent climate goals. By opting for conversions rather than waiting for the natural end-of-life replacement of current fleets, researchers estimate that the electrification of Europe’s bus networks could be accelerated by approximately 15 years.
Bridging the Gap to Climate Targets
The transition to sustainable public transport often faces delays due to the long service life of heavy-duty vehicles. However, the Empa study highlights that replacing internal combustion engines with electric drivetrains allows operators to bypass the lengthy procurement cycles associated with purchasing entirely new electric buses.
According to the researchers, this strategy is not just a technological shortcut but a crucial necessity for meeting international climate targets. By extending the life of existing vehicle bodies while eliminating tailpipe emissions, cities can reduce their carbon footprint much more rapidly than current projections suggest.
