Revehicling

Revehicling is the practice of extending the service life of motor vehicles by refurbishing, upgrading, or repurposing their components and structures. The term combines the prefix 're-' with 'vehicling,' reflecting a shift from new construction to iterative reuse within the vehicle lifecycle. Revehicling can involve mechanical overhauls, electrical system retrofits, or conversions of propulsion to alternative energy sources, while preserving core assets such as the chassis and bodywork.

Process and techniques: assessment of remaining useful life; disassembly; component remanufacture; drivetrain replacement; battery health checks; software updates; modernization of interiors and safety systems; compliance with current standards; re-certification for road use.

Applications: fleets such as buses, delivery vans, taxis; passenger cars; industrial equipment; rental fleets; organizations aiming at sustainability and cost control. Revehicling projects often target high-mileage vehicles with favorable payback through extended lifespans and reduced material waste.

Benefits and limitations: benefits include lower embodied energy versus new construction, reduced waste, potential cost savings, and emissions reductions when electrified. Limitations include upfront investment, downtime for conversion, specialist labor, regulatory approvals, warranty considerations, and the need for reliable downstream supply chains for parts and components.

History and governance: Interest in revehicling grew with the rise of circular economy concepts and remanufacturing. Standards and best practices vary by region and sector, with industry bodies promoting assessment frameworks for life-cycle cost analysis, safety, and environmental impact; ongoing research seeks to optimize retrofit techniques and warranties.