B.C. Firm Converts Gas-Guzzlers to Electric to Reduce Fleet Emissions
Richmond, B.C. – A British Columbia-based company, BlueForce Energy, is making waves in the transportation sector by converting gas-powered vehicles into electric models. The company’s technology offers a promising solution for reducing emissions from commercial vehicle fleets, an area that currently contributes significantly to Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Cian Carroll, the organization and productivity project manager at BlueForce, highlighted the potential of their technology.
Recently, a converted Ford F-150, showcasing BlueForce’s technology, was driven through an intersection in Richmond. The electric truck, retrofitted with one of the company’s custom electric conversion kits, demonstrated a powerful output. The company revealed a full line-up of electric conversion kits last week, covering everything from light-duty F-150s to heavy-duty F-750s.
BlueForce’s workshop displays the company’s aspirations. Inside, stripped-down truck chassis reveal the intricate workings of their proprietary motors and lithium-iron-phosphate electric batteries. These batteries are designed to be safer and more durable than their lithium-ion predecessors.
Transportation accounts for approximately a quarter of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, and more than a third of that comes from commercial vehicles. While global companies compete in the new car market, BlueForce focuses on reducing emissions from existing vehicle fleets.
Joanna Kyriazis, a transportation expert with Clean Energy Canada, noted that BlueForce is one of a handful of companies globally converting gas-powered vehicles to electric. She said, “This presents the ideal solution… You’re avoiding taking new minerals out of the ground. But you’re still getting as many kilometres electrified.”
Fleet vehicles, whether at airports or operating as delivery services, accumulate significantly more mileage than personal vehicles. Converting these fleets to electric could result in greater emission reductions and cost savings. Kyriazis emphasized the significant savings potential for these operators, given the existing need for vehicle modifications. She added, “It’s these types of fleets that are racking up the odometer… the savings are potentially significant.”
BlueForce is looking to expand its reach by collaborating with other small businesses. The company recently signed an agreement with Petawatts Auto Marine RV Ltd., a recreational vehicle conversion company in Vernon. BlueForce is also in talks to retrofit vehicles for the City of Sacramento, California, for a large health provider in B.C., and the ground vehicle fleet of a Canadian airline.
Max Kazakov, an electrical engineer originally from Ukraine’s Donetsk region, is in charge of quality control, fixing any issues. He is working to solve the “little things” that arise in the conversion process.
BlueForce offers its Ford F-150 conversion kit for $46,500 – about half the price of a new gas or electric equivalent. The company calculates that a converted Ford truck driving 20,000 kilometers a year could save between $3,192 and $10,640 on fuel. Electric engines have significantly fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, which translates to reduced maintenance costs. BlueForce estimates that a converted light-duty truck would save at least $1,000 on annual maintenance, while a heavy-duty vehicle could save up to $10,000 a year.
While the model seems promising, Kyriazis raises the fundamental challenge of moving from a niche market to a wider scale. When asked, Kyriazis then questioned: “Can we do this at scale?”
Carroll noted the range of their converted Ford F-150, which can go up to 350 kilometers on a single charge. The motors, offering more torque than a new Ford Lightning, are powerful enough to move larger models like the F-250 and F-350. “It’s slightly too powerful,” Carroll said, “It’s fun. It’s definitely fun.”
