Electric vehicle and Retrofit type-approval: end-to-end technical consultancy
Turning administrative challenges into tangible market opportunities
The type-approval of electric vehicles and Retrofit systems is an essential process for allowing any vehicle to circulate legally on public roads. Enginext offers full-service support across several categories, from passenger cars (M) to commercial vehicles (N), motorcycles (L) and electrification systems.
What electric vehicle and Retrofit type-approval covers
Our service certifies the overall safety of the systems driving the vehicle and the seamless technological integration of every component fitted on board. We rigorously verify performance stability and full compliance with the regulations in force on electric power supply.
Design and regulatory support
We provide technical assistance right from the earliest design stages of electric vehicles and electric car conversion kits, verifying that every detail meets the requirements of the Italian Retrofit decree. Although not compulsory, early-stage consultancy is strongly recommended to steer the technical choices in the right direction from the outset. This support helps optimise development costs and avoid structural errors that could compromise the project. We analyse compatibility with the international UNECE regulations, acting as an external engineering office to speed up your products’ time-to-market.
Preliminary technical assessments
Every new project requires a compatibility check through a Gap Analysis, which is a key, standard step in the technical workflow. This analysis maps the current state of the vehicle against the regulations in force, pinpointing any shortfalls before moving on to the tests themselves. We assess the feasibility of the conversion to an electric car by analysing mass distribution and the strength of the load-bearing structures. Verifying the insulation of the circuits of the high-voltage circuits at this stage drastically reduces uncertainty and the risk of failure during final testing.
Official tests and checks
Safety tests are the central operational phase of the type-approval process, as they certify the vehicle’s reliability under every operating condition. We coordinate tests of electromagnetic compatibility and checks on the electrical safety of the system, preventing interference with other on-board devices. Every measurement follows standardised protocols that are part of our testing and trials activities [link to Vehicle tests on track or in the laboratory] on track or in the laboratory to deliver the highest constructional quality of the vehicle.
Authorisation process
We handle the full drafting of the ministerial technical dossier, collect the test reports and manage relationships with the relevant Technical Services. We support companies in handling Conformity of Production (CoP) for series systems, verifying that every unit matches the approved type, right through to the official release of the type-approval code.
Which types of type-approval do we handle?
Our technical expertise covers several sectors of electric mobility, addressing both new production and conversions.
Native electric vehicles
We assist manufacturers in the type-approval of newly designed electric models in categories M, N and L. We also support importers in the nationalisation of vehicles coming from foreign markets, verifying compliance with European safety standards. Enginext is the ideal partner for startups looking to launch new vehicle architectures with the highest regulatory solidity.
Complete electric conversions
Installing a type-approved electric Retrofit kit is an eco-friendly solution for upgrading vehicles already on the road and extending their useful life. We support every business in certifying conversions so that each system is safe and compliant. We also handle the paperwork for converting various types of urban scooters and mopeds.
Electrification kits
The Retrofit decree states that the manufacturer of the electrification kit looking to sell the product does not have to re-approve the whole vehicle, only the system. This procedure verifies compliance with the requirements on safety, performance and quality set by law and allows authorised workshops to install the device following the manufacturer’s instructions. Enginext also handles the verification for the type-approval of these systems.
Everything through a single
point of contact
Enginext offers a Project Management service that centralises every operational phase of the type-approval process. We take on the role of single point of contact, coordinating the relationships between clients, any third-party technical laboratories and ministerial authorities. We plan every step of the project to meet go-to-market timelines and optimise the use of the client company’s internal resources. A complete service, so you always stay on top of the progress of the work.
Who we work with
Enginext’s type-approval service is reserved exclusively for industry professionals and businesses such as:
Automotive manufacturers
companies developing new fully electric vehicle models
Specialist workshops
businesses that physically carry out electric car conversions for their customers
Converters, body-builders and startups
that have developed an electric upgrade device for cars and other vehicles and want to bring it to market
Vehicle importers
businesses wishing to sell electric vehicles purchased abroad on the Italian market
Why choose Enginext
Choosing Enginext means relying on an engineering hub that combines deep expertise with an in-depth knowledge of the applicable laws.
Frequently
asked questions
What is Enginext’s type-approval process for electric vehicles?
We provide an end-to-end consultancy that includes conformity analysis and management of the official tests. We prepare the technical dossier the authorities need in order to issue the authorisation to circulate.
How much does the type-approval process cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on the vehicle category and the complexity of the tests required. We provide tailored quotes only after carrying out a preliminary feasibility assessment of the project.
Can a classic car converted to electric power be type-approved?
Technically it is possible, but we always recommend a cost-benefit analysis. The cost of a type-approved electric Retrofit kit and the related testing often exceeds the market value of the classic vehicle.
What happens if the vehicle does not pass the official tests?
We provide a detailed technical analysis of the shortcomings identified during the checks. We actively support the manufacturer in making the necessary adjustments to retake the tests successfully.
Is Italian type-approval also valid abroad?
The national certificate is valid in Italy, but the tests are carried out in line with the worldwide UNECE regulations. This greatly facilitates the export of the vehicle or kit to international markets.