Stellantis and tech company, Qinomic, have partnered to create a “proof of concept” to convert internal combustion engine (ICE) light commercial vehicles to electric drivetrains.

The OEM says it will ensure OEM quality and specifications, including safety, durability, and type approval, are maintained. Stellantis didn’t say if retrofitting will be available on passenger vehicles.

“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,” said Alison Jones, Stellantis Circular Economy Business Unit senior vice president.

Extending vehicle life and usage is at the heart 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, Stellantis said.

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.”

Stellantis believes that electric retrofitting is both a sustainable and affordable solution for customers willing to switch to zero emissions and reduce their total cost of ownership while keeping their vehicles.

“Retrofitting technology will reinforce Stellantis’ leadership in zero-emission mobility solutions for professional customers, complementing our full electrified van range,” said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Commercial Vehicle Business Unit senior vice president.

Stellantis plans to reach decarbonization by 2038, as outlined in its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

Qinomic co-founder and CEO Frédéric Strady said the partnership 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.”

After achieving successful development and positive customer feedback on the performance of its demo cars next year Stellantis says commercialization will begin 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 Enlarged Europe Light Commercial Vehicles vice president. “Retrofitting technology like this will enable Stellantis to support this trend.”

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