Stellantis N.V. and Qinomic, a high-tech company specializing in innovative and sustainable solutions for mobility, partner to develop a proof of concept to convert internal combustion engine (ICE) light commercial vehicles to electric drivetrain while ensuring OEM quality and specifications, like durability, type approval, and safety, are maintained, according to the press release.
I am delighted that Stellantis is working with Qinomic on this development in retrofit technology. 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.
Alison Jones, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Circular Economy Business Unit
Electric retrofit solution
Extending usage and vehicle life is at the heart of the Stellantis Circular Economy Business Unit, which leads the initiative in collaboration with the Stellantis Ventures Studio and Commercial Vehicle Business Unit.
The electric retrofit solution aims to protect mobility freedom with an affordable option that meets consumer needs to increase vehicle life and continue business activities while accessing cities’ low emissions zones (LEZ).
Growth of Europe’s LEZ zones
According to the EIT* Urban Mobility Report, Europe’s number of LEZ zones grew by 40% in the past three years. It will continue to grow as part of enforcing urban vehicle access regulations.
The driver for this growth is the European Green Deal plan, aimed at encouraging cleaner vehicles and cleaner mobility transition.
Electric retrofitting is a sustainable and affordable solution for consumers willing to shift to zero emissions and reduce their total cost of ownership while also keeping their vehicles.
Retrofitting technology will reinforce Stellantis’ leadership in zero-emission mobility solutions for professional customers, complementing our full electrified van range.
Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit
Stellantis’ electrification plan
The project confirms Stellantis’ innovation commitment and willingness to depend on partners that support its electrification plan. The automaker has an industry-leading decarbonization strategy with a goal of carbon net zero by 2038, as noted in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.
We are excited about this new strategic partnership with Stellantis. 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.
Frédéric Strady, Co-founder and CEO of Qinomic
Successful completion of this joint development next year and positive consumer feedback on the demo cars’ performance would lead to implementation and commercialization beginning in 2024 in France.
