Stellantis is teaming up with Qinomic, a specialist in high-tech solutions for mobility, on a project to convert ICE light commercial vehicles to electric power.

The retrofit solution is expected to be available for implementation and commercialisation from 2024

The retrofit solution is expected to be available for implementation and commercialisation from 2024, starting in France, and will be focused on both sustainability and affordability in equal measure.

It will customers to extend vehicle life while working to “protect freedom of mobility” as more cities adopt Low Emission Zones (LEZ). According to the EIT Urban Mobility Report, the number of LEZ zones in Europe increased by 40% in the last three years.

The work will also look to ensure OEM quality and specifications, such as safety, durability, and type approval, are maintained.

It’s the result of a collaboration between the Stellantis Circular Economy and Commercial Vehicle Business Units.

“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.”

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

The project sits within the multinational automaker’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan that accelerates the drive to electrification and its decarbonisation strategy.

“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.”

“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,” stated Eric Laforge, Stellantis vice president, Enlarged Europe Light Commercial Vehicles. “Retrofitting technology like this will enable Stellantis to support this trend.”