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 a formal open letter, BEDEO highlights that 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 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:

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.