Aussie company ROEV prices EV ute conversions

AUSTRALIAN company ROEV has released proposed pricing and product details for a range of electric ute conversions it now offers as part of its EV Fleet Program, under which a 4x2 Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger can become an electric vehicle from $48,990 plus GST.

According to Fleet EV News, the offering comes after months of engagement with interested fleet customers, with ROEV CEO Noah Wasmer saying the solution provides buyers with a genuine opportunity to begin the transition to electrification of their utility fleet right now.

“There is huge demand for electric utes in Australia, particularly among large fleets,” said Mr Wasmer.

“We are actively listening to customers to ensure that our product solutions meet their operational needs.”

The ROEV EV Fleet Program allows fleet customers the opportunity to convert their existing Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux to 100 per cent battery electric power.

ROEV currently offers packages for 4x2 and 4x4 variants with two battery pack options: The Standard Pack, which delivers up to 240km of driving range; or the Extended Pack, which offers as much as 360km of driving range.

All ROEV conversions are safety certified and compatible with all integrated vehicle safety systems. Charging is via an 11kW onboard Type 2 AC charger or 80kW CCS DC fast charger.

Additionally, ROEV says it is committed to creating what it calls “powerwalls on wheels” by offering V2L (vehicle to load) capability from its products. Each ROEV conversion will allow users to power their tools and equipment via a 240V/20A power outlet.

According to Mr Wasmer, the company has plans that include V2H (vehicle to home), V2D (vehicle to depot) and ultimately V2G (vehicle to grid) capabilities soon.

“We’re excited to be working with fleets to unlock the potential of their fleets for energy storage, resilience, management and distribution,” he said.

Pricing for the conversion of a two-wheel drive Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux begins at $47,990, rising to $56,990 for a late model 4x4 with extended range battery pack (excluding. GST).

Mr Wasmer said the conversion will allow fleets the chance to extend the life of their current vehicles, with ROEV currently offering the package on models built from 2016 onwards.

“Something we heard from a lot of fleets is the desire to convert slightly older vehicles to extend the life of their existing assets,” he said.

“With a conversion, you’re not only adding an electric vehicle to your fleet, but you’re also taking a diesel vehicle off the road and preventing many years of future tailpipe CO2 emissions.”

Mr Wasmer said ROEV has committed to converting 1000 units within the first 12 months of the program, with first-round build slots available from this month (December 2023).

For the time being, the conversions are only available to fleet customers. However, Mr Wasmer says the program could be opened to the general public in the near future.

“Australia needs electric utes in massive numbers. The race isn’t between car companies – it’s a race to protect our environment and the future for our children,” he told Fleet EV News.

“Conversions are one way we can tackle the problem, but we also need imports and the mainstream brands to come to the party.”

Mr Wasmer said that much of the demand for electric utility vehicles is coming from both consumer and fleet buyers that had previously purchased utes from the big brands and are now preparing to go electric.

“We’re eager to make the ROEV EV Drive System available on more vehicle models and encourage OEMs to work closely with us to support their customers with the EV option that they crave.”

Proposed EV conversion pricing*:

*Exclusive of GST.

With Fleet EV News