Stellantis teams up with Qinomic to develop electric retrofits for LCVs

Stellantis is partnering with Qinomic to create a proof of concept to convert internal combustion engine light commercial vehicles to electric drivetrains.

Extending vehicle life and usage is a focus of the Stellantis Circular Economy Business Unit, which is leading the initiative in collaboration with the commercial vehicle business unit and the Stellantis Ventures Studio.

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 emission zones in cities.

Alison Jones, senior vice-president, circular economy business unit at Stellantis, said: “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.”

Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis senior vice-president, commercial vehicle business unit, added: “Retrofitting technology will reinforce Stellantis’s leadership in zero emission mobility solutions for professional customers, complementing our full electrified van range.”

Qinomic is a high-tech company which specialises in innovative and sustainable solutions for mobility

The partnership supports Stellantis’s decarbonisation strategy, which has the goal of carbon net zero by 2038, as outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 stragic plan.

Successful completion of the joint development in 2023 and positive customer feedback on the demo cars’ performance will lead to implementation and commercialisation starting in France in 2024.

Eric Laforge, Stellantis vice-president enlarged Europe light commercial vehicles, added: “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.

“Retrofitting technology like this will enable Stellantis to support this trend.”