Dortmund University of Applied Sciences mechanical engineering students Damian Arndt and Jonas Schöpper have developed a conversion kit that shines a light on several dark sides of classic car passion: The costs, the sustainability, the maintenance and the image. And it is cheaper than expected.
The ReEcoMod conversion kit consists of a modern engine control system that can be adapted to any type of vehicle. The kit eliminates many of the disadvantages that historic vehicles have compared to modern cars. Demand is likely to be high: In January 2020, 525,000 cars were registered as classic cars in Germany, and the trend is rising.
First of all, the kit makes it possible to burn petrol - and even ethanol, which is often cheaper. The electronic engine control system and integrated exhaust gas aftertreatment also improve exhaust emissions to the level of new cars when running on petrol. Environmental zones are therefore no longer taboo.
The "H" remains
During the conversion, some historic parts are replaced with new ones, which retain the historic look but fulfill much more modern functions. At the same time, the vehicle retains its status as a classic car, including its H license plate.
The company founders are not only focusing on the gap in the market. "There is a lot of promotion in Germany for disposing of old, functioning things and purchasing new equipment at a subsidized rate," says Damian Arndt.
Examples: Scrappage scheme and e-car subsidy. Arndt: "We want to ensure that vehicles are used for longer and can run on climate-neutral fuels." His partner Jonas Schöpper adds: "The production of new cars consumes resources and emits pollutants that are often not taken into account. That's why our approach is much more climate-friendly."
Unrivaled product
Arndt and Schöpper are not aware of any competitors that offer conversions that comply with the H license plate and allow the consumption of renewable fuels. A limited alternative is the conversion to so-called "FlexFuelVehicles", which, however, are not permitted in Germany. At around 3000 euros per kit, ReEcoMod is also comparatively inexpensive.
Since 2021, the entrepreneurs have benefited from Fachhochschule Dortmund's start-up service and the mentoring offered by the Ruhrvalley Start-Up Campus. In 2022, they took part in its four-month "accelerator" qualification program. The application for a start-up grant is underway. The first kits are to be marketed in 2024.