Automakers are rushing to produce electric cars to meet stricter emission standards in Europe. As sales increase, hybrid cars and batteries made up less than 3% of total sales last year, as vehicle prices remain relatively high with shorter driving ranges than conventional models.

Libeau says he has developed technology that can make any car electric for just 8500 euros. And then such a car does not have to be new: a ten-year-old model is no problem at all. It could be the solution for anyone who still drives an old diesel car, which is banned in more and more city centers because of the polluting exhaust gases.

"I'm selling to people who can't afford a brand new 20.000-euro electric car," founder Aymeric Libeau said in an interview sitting in his first prototype, a 2009 Renault Twingo with an electric range of 180 kilometers. We are turning the best-selling models across Europe into electric cars. ”

With its start-up Transition One Libeau builds an electric motor, a battery pack and internet-connected infotainment in older models of Fiat, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot and Citroën. In France, such a converted car is also subsidized, so that the adjustment costs only 5000 euros.

Libeau expects approval from the French and European regulator by the end of the year and will begin pre-orders to test demand in September.

Photo source: Transition One

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