Tell us about Electra EXchange?
At Electra EXchange, we provide a service where companies can trade in their diesel vehicles to have them electrified. We believe this can work in a multitude of ways such as – a new chassis with an old body, old chassis and new body, or old chassis and old body. Partnering with third parties, we can refurbish the old chassis/bodies and handle the electrification of all chassis to ensure seamless operation.
With regulations mandating that all new trucks sold must be electric by 2040, there will be thousands of trucks with the potential to be electrified rather than scrapped. Electra EXchange offers a solution to this problem, allowing companies to get ahead of the game. By starting now, companies can see a return on investment within a few years due to lower maintenance costs and improved efficiency. Electra EXchange stands at the forefront of this movement, providing an innovative approach to fleet electrification through upcycling. By converting existing diesel trucks to electric, we offer a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable alternative to purchasing new electric vehicles.
What are the cost savings?
Upcycling a fleet’s existing diesel trucks to electric can drastically reduce both initial and ongoing expenses compared to buying brand-new electric vehicles. The process involves converting relatively young trucks, typically five to six years old, which still have a significant operational lifespan. This strategic approach allows fleets to transition to electric power without the hefty price tag associated with new vehicle purchases. Furthermore, our adherence to approved platforms and rigorous testing ensures that upcycled trucks meet all regulatory standards and can be plated at higher weights, providing additional operational flexibility.
How can the upcycling be tailored to customers’ needs?
Electra EXchange excels in customising the upcycling process to suit the unique needs of each fleet. Utilising a modular design, the company can adapt its services to various truck platforms, ensuring that the converted vehicles align perfectly with the fleet’s specific requirements. This flexibility allows fleets to maintain operational consistency while benefiting from the latest electric technology. Whether a fleet operates Mercedes, Isuzu, Iveco, or Dennis Eagle trucks, Electra EXchange can tailor the upcycling process to enhance performance and efficiency.
To make the upcycling process more accessible, Electra EXchange offers flexible financing and leasing options. We are equipped to handle large-scale upcycling projects, with 21 production bays, including four dedicated to the EXchange programme.
What other advantages are there for operators using Electra EXchange?
Upcycled electric trucks from Electra EXchange deliver performance, range, and efficiency comparable to new electric vehicles. By enhancing the core structure of existing trucks, EXchange ensures that fleets do not have to compromise on performance to achieve affordability. One of the critical advantages of the EXchange service is the minimal downtime required for truck conversion. We can repower a truck in as little as three weeks, significantly reducing the disruption to daily operations. Another pivotal factor is the reduced carbon emissions from reusing existing assets over deploying a brand-new unit, saving around 20+ tCO₂e on larger trucks.
Electra EXchange also provides a comprehensive warranty for upcycled electric vehicles, offering peace of mind to fleet operators. The electric components come with a three-year warranty, while the batteries are covered for up to eight years.
What’s more, Electra aren’t just experts in electrification, we can also retrofit a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, giving customers the perfect insight into what clean energy route they can go in the future.
Ben Smith
Managing Director, Electra Commercial Vehicles
