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The possibility of converting diesel cars into plug-in hybrids is now a reality. See how this solution can guarantee 70 km of autonomy and transform the efficiency of conventional vehicles!
Dieselgate, a scandal of global proportions that broke in 2015, marked a significant turning point in the history of diesel engines. What was once seen as an effective solution in terms of efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions soon turned out to be a large-scale fraud.
The manipulation of emissions control systems to mask high levels of nitrogen oxides has profoundly shaken the industry automotive, triggering a crisis of confidence among consumers and governments.
This event not only tarnished the reputation of diesel engines, but also accelerated the decline of this technology worldwide. This is due to the growing concern about air quality in large cities and the rapid development of T alternatives, such as hybrid and electric vehicles.
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However, the evolution of the automotive sector went beyond the simple decline of diesel. The crisis of confidence caused by Dieselgate led to the search for more sustainable options, especially in a context of growing global commitment to decarbonisation.
Hybrid and electric vehicles gain momentum
Since the scandal, the market for hybrid and electric vehicles has begun to grow rapidly. This growth has been driven not only by increased battery technology efficiency and improved infrastructure, but also by the development of new technologies such as recharge, but also by government incentives.
Many countries began offering significant subsidies to those who chose to purchase vehicles with lower pollutant emission levels, which helped to foster market growth.
Today, it is increasingly common to see electric and hybrid cars on the streets, while diesel engines are losing ground. This trend is no coincidence; in addition to incentives, the ban on the sale of internal combustion-powered cars scheduled for 2035 in Europe is one of the main drivers.
Automakers have also adapted to new demands and, in many cases, have completely eliminated diesel options from their portfolios.
Innovative solution: the conversion kit for diesel vehicles
Although the decline of diesel cars seems inevitable, many people still own and rely on these vehicles, whether for financial reasons or due to a lack of viable alternatives.
It is in this context that an innovative solution emerges, led by the French company Green Corp Konnection (GCK). GCK is developing a conversion kit that transforms diesel cars into hybrid vehicles, with the promise of being an affordable option for many consumers.
What is the Twin-E conversion kit?
The Twin-E is a conversion kit that is in its final stages of development and aims to transform diesel-powered cars into hybrid vehicles, without the need to make drastic changes to the car's original system.
This solution is especially advantageous, since the estimated cost of the kit is much lower than the value of a new car.
The kit consists of an electric motor, which replaces the original gearbox, and a battery that offers an electric range of up to 70 km. In addition, an energy regeneration system is capable of partially recharging the battery during the braking process, contributing to energy savings.
The kit can be installed in one day and only requires a basic workshop, which makes it easier for consumers to adopt it.
Furthermore, the French government has shown support for the project, with the aim of accelerating the transformation of its automotive fleet and meeting the European Union's environmental targets.
Government support could also include subsidies for conversion, which would help further reduce costs for vehicle owners.
How does Twin-E work in practice?
Installing the kit transforms the diesel vehicle into an automatic car, and a digital screen allows the driver to choose between three driving modes: electric, thermal (diesel) or a combination of the two engines.
Electric mode is ideal for short journeys, with a maximum speed of 70 km/h, while thermal mode allows the vehicle to make longer journeys. The combination of both saves fuel and reduces CO2 emissions.
So far, practical tests with the Twin-E have demonstrated a considerable reduction in fuel consumption — around 1,4 liters per 100 km — and in pollutant gas emissions, which reached 39 g/km of CO2. These results show the potential of the Twin-E as an alternative to extend the useful life of diesel vehicles, making them more sustainable.
The challenge of homologation
Despite its promises, the Twin-E still needs to go through the homologation process to ensure it meets European safety and emissions standards. In France, converted cars will be eligible to receive a Crit'Air label, equivalent to the ECO label in Spain, which allows access to Low Emission Zones.
The implementation of this technology could represent an interesting alternative for those who wish to maintain an older vehicle without giving up on adapting to new environmental requirements. However, market acceptance will depend on the success of the homologation process, price competitiveness and available subsidies.
Ultimately, the Dieselgate scandal triggered a series of changes in the automotive industry, driving the adoption of more sustainable technologies and accelerating the decline of diesel engines.
Although electric and hybrid vehicles are rapidly gaining ground, solutions such as the Twin-E kit can represent an interesting middle ground for those who want to embrace green mobility but cannot afford the costs of a new car.
Thus, the transition to a cleaner future is not limited to just replacing old cars entirely, but also to finding creative and viable ways to adapt the current fleet to new environmental and technological realities.
The success of the Twin-E could be an important milestone in this transition process, helping to make cities less polluted and contributing to a more sustainable future.
