As part of its development and homologation, the Beeway was subjected to numerous tests and calculations to verify the limits of its capabilities, both in terms of robustness and ageing. All these results demonstrated the ability of the chassis and powertrain to carry far more than the 3t5 regulatory limit governing N1 homologation.
LMI has therefore decided to launch the extension to 4t2 GVW and N2 homologation.1
Why 4t2?
Current regulations allow the weight of the batteries to be deducted from the GVWR. The B3 version of the Beeway is fitted with 750 kg of batteries, so these 750 kg can be deducted to arrive at a GVW of 3t5. This means that a Beeway B3 approved for 4t2 can be driven with a B driving license.
In addition, the European Commission has adopted a text to extend the B car license to vehicles weighing less than 4.25t:
Two years after the first issue of a driver's license, issued for category B, it is valid for driving alternative fuel vehicles ... categories M and N ..., which are intended for use on public roads, including those designed and built in one or more stages, and whose maximum authorized mass is greater than 3,500 kg but does not exceed 4,250 kg without a trailer... These vehicles may be equipped with a trailer or semi-trailer if the maximum authorized mass of this combination does not exceed 5,000 kg (Text reference: P9_TA(2024)0095 available here)
As the Beeway is electric, it uses an alternative fuel and therefore benefits from this development. This text has yet to be transposed into French law, at the time of writing.
Impacts on the vehicle
The Beeway 4t2 model must be modified to comply with N2 homologation rules.
The Beeway 4t2 features an improved rear axle with reinforced tires and suspension springs adapted to the extra weight to be carried. The engine and brake control systems have also been optimized. After the calculation stages, full-scale tests are carried out on a test prototype:

In addition to technical modifications, the Beeway will be fitted with a tachograph and safety equipment to the European GSR2 standard.
In addition, its speed will be limited to 90 km/h in accordance with N2 regulations.
Operational benefits for users
Of course, the payload has been increased by around 700 kg, which is the main advantage of this evolution. This improvement will enable many trades to increase their rounds: where two transports used to be necessary, one could now suffice.
As explained above, a Beeway B3 4t2 is accessible with a B license, as the 750 kg of batteries can be neutralized and the vehicle thus passes under the 3t5 bar of the B license. However, this is not yet possible for the B1 and B2 variants, which do not have sufficient battery weight to pass under the 3t5 GVW after deduction. We need to wait for the European Commission's text modifying the license to be transposed into national law, so that B1 and B2 variants homologated as N2 can be driven with a B license.
Financial interests
In France, the Beeway 4t2 is still eligible for the bonus depreciation scheme. Purchasers are authorized to depreciate the value of their vehicle at 160% over 5 years. Thus, the purchase of a vehicle at €100k will entail depreciation of €160k over 5 years, i.e. €32k per year. This measure makes it possible to reduce corporate taxable income.
As the payload increases significantly, routes can be optimized because the Beeway 4t2 can carry more cargo. During the day, it will be possible to combine delivery rounds without necessarily returning to the depot.
Conclusion
With this new configuration, the Beeway enhances the scope for decarbonizing business mobility by going beyond conventional utility vehicles. The Beeway already covered the N1 segment; now, the lower end of the N2 segment is accessible with a car license.
From an operational point of view, the Beeway N2 removes the psychological barriers to electric vehicles. No, batteries are not reserved for small utility vehicles or quadricycles; the Beeway offers the capabilities of an N2 truck. What's more, Beeway has optimized its weight to give it more payload than many combustion-powered vehicles.
- Category N2 covers goods vehicles from 3t5 to 12t. N2 homologation also has a European scope. ︎