Stellantis N.V. and French sustainable mobility solutions firm Qinomic are partnering to create a proof of concept to convert ICE light commercial vehicles to electric drivetrain. The companies have signed a signed a strategic partnership agreement in this regard.
A collaboration between Circular Economy and Commercial Vehicle Business Units, the retrofit solution aims to extend vehicle life and usage, ensuring sustainability and affordability at the same time. OEM quality and specifications on safety and durability are maintained in the conversion process, the companies claim.
"I am delighted that Stellantis is working with Qinomic on this development in retrofit technology," said Alison Jones, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Circular Economy Business Unit. "This innovation gives our professional customers the choice to convert their current vans to electric, extend their vehicle's life and meet legislative and mobility requirements."
The electric retrofit solution aims to protect freedom of mobility with an affordable option that meets customer needs to extend the life of their vehicles and continue business activities while accessing low emissions zones (LEZ) in cities.
Further, electric retrofitting is both a sustainable and affordable solution for customers willing to switch to zero emissions and to reduce their total cost of ownership, while keeping their vehicles, according to the partners.
"Retrofitting technology will reinforce Stellantis' leadership in zero emission mobility solutions for professional customers, complementing our full electrified van range," said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit.
The project confirms Stellantis' commitment to innovation and willingness to rely on partners that support its electrification plan. Stellantis has an industry-leading decarbonization strategy with an ambitious goal of carbon net zero by 2038, as outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.
"We are excited about this new strategic partnership with Stellantis," said Frédéric Strady, Co-founder and CEO of Qinomic. "It is an important step in Qinomic's development, which will enable us to finalize and implement some of the innovative technical solutions we are developing for the retrofit industry."
Successful completion of this joint development in 2023 and positive customer feedback on the demo cars' performance will lead to implementation and commercialization starting in France in 2024.
"In a market boosted by last-mile demand, city access restrictions will soon require recent LCV owners to look for a solution to convert to zero emissions," said Eric Laforge, Stellantis Vice President, Enlarged Europe Light Commercial Vehicles. "Retrofitting technology like this will enable Stellantis to support this trend."
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