Driving a diesel auto used to be a bit of a status symbol because you thought you were emitting less carbon. However, that was only until the great Volkswagen debacle and others that followed. If you drive one of those signature autos you may feel like covering over the badge. Did you know you could convert your diesel into something greener for less than the price of an electric car?
A French Company Wants to Upgrade Your Diesel
A French start up would like to replace your smelly diesel with an ‘electric engine, batteries and a connected dashboard’. According to Money Web, Transition-One is currently converting ‘older models of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Volkswagen, Renault and PSA Group’.
The price of the conversion is around $9,500 depending on the particular car. This is cheaper than a new electric vehicle, especially if you are in love with your old carbon-guzzling banger. However, if you are living in France you may have to wait a while longer. That’s because European regulators may only give the project a nod to convert your diesel by the end of 2019.
Some More Significant Thoughts Behind the Idea
A growing number of European cities have announced plans to limit emissions, and eventually outlaw gasoline cars. Old-fashioned diesels are currently in their focus. Transition-One is offering to convert your diesel into something more sustainable.
The modification is arguably greener than a new electric car because most of the carbon damage has already been done. Moreover, it delays the need to recycle your diesel into something else also causing some pollution. Therefore, we are inclined to give this project a thumb up as a potential runner.
The prototype model has three battery packs up front and two at the rear where the gas tank was. The electric motor goes into the diesel engine bay. The original stick shift and gear box remain in place so you shouldn’t have to do too much adapting. There were some magnificent diesel moments from an engineering perspective and we recognize some of these achievements here.
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Preview Image: A Model of a Diesel Engine
