For many years, diesel engines dominated European roads, particularly during the 1990s and 2000s. These vehicles were valued for their efficiency, durability, and most importantly, their lower fuel costs compared to gasoline. As technology advanced, diesel engines emitted less CO2, allowing them to comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
The Dieselgate scandal of 2015 dramatically changed public perception. This incident exposed a massive fraud, revealing that car manufacturers had falsified emissions data. While diesel engines produced less CO2 than their gasoline counterparts, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are highly polluting and harmful to health, were found to be alarmingly high.
Dieselgate: The scandal that changed the industry
The 2015 Dieselgate involved the Volkswagen Group, which installed software in millions of diesel cars to manipulate emissions tests. This software artificially reduced NOx emissions during testing, but in real driving conditions, vehicles emitted up to 40 times more NOx than allowed. The scandal resulted in multimillion-dollar fines, irreparable damage to Volkswagen’s reputation, and a turning point for the automotive industry, accelerating the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles.
Dieselgate affected not only consumers but also the environmental policies of the European Union, which has since tightened emissions regulations. As a result, diesel engines have become less competitive, mainly due to the high costs involved in updating vehicles to meet new standards. In this context, the demand for cleaner and more sustainable alternatives has grown rapidly. Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids are now booming, fueled by government incentives and rising awareness of climate change. However, the high cost of electric cars remains a barrier for many drivers.
A middle ground solution
To address this, the French company Green Corp Konnection (GCK) has developed the Twin-E conversion kit, offering a cost-effective solution for converting diesel cars into hybrids without major modifications. Priced at €7,500, the kit transforms almost any diesel car into a plug-in hybrid with up to 70 km of electric range. Installation can be completed in one day across a network of over 1,000 workshops in France. Supported by the French government, this kit aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making hybrid technology more accessible to diesel car owners.
The kit includes a rechargeable battery that can be charged at home using a standard outlet. With the conversion, cars can run exclusively on electricity for short trips, while the diesel engine is used for longer journeys or when more power is needed. This hybrid approach not only lowers fuel consumption but also reduces CO2 and NOx emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
How does the kit work?
The conversion kit integrates an electric system into the diesel car, with a relatively straightforward installation process that requires no significant vehicle modifications. The hybrid system works in tandem with the diesel engine, using electric power in situations where fuel consumption would be inefficient, such as city driving or short trips.
Recharging is simple and can be done at home with a standard outlet. After a few hours, the battery is fully charged, providing up to 70 km of electric range, enough for most daily commutes. This setup helps drivers reduce their reliance on diesel fuel.
While GCK has solved the technical aspects of the conversion, cars using the Twin-E kit must still go through the necessary homologation process. In France, they will receive a Crit’Air label, equivalent to Spain’s ECO label, allowing them to drive in Low Emission Zones and comply with European regulations.
Economic and environmental benefits
The €7,500 price tag makes the Twin-E kit an attractive option for drivers seeking to upgrade without investing in a brand-new car. The fuel savings can be significant, as most daily trips can be completed using only electric power, especially in urban areas.
From an environmental standpoint, one of the key benefits of this conversion is the reduction in emissions. By minimizing the use of the diesel engine on short trips, NOx emissions are greatly reduced. The use of electric energy helps lower CO2 emissions, aligning with the sustainability goals of many European cities.
