This Dutch startup turns petrol cars into electric ones

In his previous career, Steef den Hertog served as Chief Commercial Officer for Oedipus Brewing. As Heineken fully acquired the brewery in 2023, he decided it was time for a new challenge. “It was then that I realized that cars are responsible for up to 25% of the emissions produced by the average Dutch family. While immediately switching to an electric car may be the most obvious option, what should we do with the ICE cars? Why not make them electric?”

So he founded Greentimer, a company active in retrofitting internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to make them electric. Currently, they can convert a Volvo XC90 — the first generation of this car model, produced by the Swedish carmaker between 2002 and 2014 — into a fully functioning electric vehicle (EV). This way, the car can drive for up to 20 more years as an EV.  

Switching to an electric car indeed slashes emissions in the long term. Yet, manufacturing one — especially sourcing the materials needed for the battery pack — is still polluting. This is why Greentimer claims the most sustainable choice one can make is opting for an already existing car. This vision is further supported by the fact that the company uses a second-hand Tesla engine and Volkswagen battery packs to convert the vehicles. 

How does a conversion work? 

After removing all unnecessary and incompatible components from the car — such as the fuel tank, tailpipe, and non-functional engine — Greentimer installs the engine and the battery pack after thorough checks. Crucially for an electric car, a key part of the conversion process is the installation of a battery management system, which monitors and controls the battery's functioning. 

However, before a car can hit the road, a green light from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) is required, which must be informed about the actual conversion. The price of converting the car ranges between €27,500 and €32,500, depending on the size of the battery pack. The 55 kWh version has a range of approximately 275 km, while the 82 kWh version can travel up to 400 km. The new, fully electric Volvo EC40 — a car of a similar size and battery pack — costs over €50,000.  

The car is also equipped with a newer infotainment system, which features essential information for an electric vehicle, such as the battery status. Upon request, the car’s upholstery and interior can also be changed. “One can decide to bring their car to convert, or by getting in contact with us, we can also help purchase and retrofit a second-hand car,” explains Den Hertog.

On the left, the electric engine, on the right, a view of the interior of the car - © IO+

Targeting young timers 

Retrofitting vintage ICE cars into electric ones has become a hobby for many. On the internet, kits are available to convert diesel and petrol cars into fully electric vehicles. And while the purist car lovers disagree, these vehicles can still be driven, even in areas with enforced zero-emission regulations. 

But how can what for many is a hobby be scaled into a business? Greentimer is targeting the so-called “young timers,” cars that are 15 to 25 years old. Owners can benefit from a lower additional tax for private use. Additionally, there are also the perks of a fully electric car, namely lower fuel and maintenance costs. By 2030, the company targets to convert 5,000 cars. 

“It currently takes up to two months to retrofit a car. As we are now moving to a new location — the company relocated to a new warehouse near Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena ed. — we plan to ramp up production, and bring that time down to weeks,” adds the founder. As Den Hertog plans to focus more on the business side of the company, an engineer has been integrated into the team. 

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Ramping up 

In doing so, Den Hertog involved different partners in the project to bring in the necessary expertise to scale. For instance, drawing from the expertise of EV Europe, a company active in several electrification projects. Its co-owner, Peter Jan Schouten, is now also part of Greentimer’s team. The company also previously received European financing.

Currently, Greetimer has successfully converted three cars, with more on the waiting list. At the beginning of next year, the company plans to unveil a new model, expanding its range of options and reviving once-polluting cars.