Stellantis explores retro-fitted EV drivetrains concept for vans

Stellantis has revealed plans to convert older internal combustion engine (ICE) light commercial vehicles (LCV) into electric vehicles (EV) through a new partnership Qinomic.

The Stellantis Circular Economy Business Unit is leading the initiative in collaboration with the OEM giant’s commercial vehicle business unit and the Stellantis Ventures Studio.

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.”

Earlier this year Stellantis announced that it was electrifying its entire MPV offering as part of its plan to make its Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility a Eurpoean centre for zero-emissions van production.

Commenting on the plan to retro-fite EV drivetrains into older vehicles, Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis senior vice-president, commercial vehicle business unit, said: “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.

Stellantis hopes that an electric retrofit solution for vans will help to protect freedom of mobility with an affordable option that meets customer needs to extend the life of their vehicles.

It should also enable van users to continue accessing low emission zones in cities for their business.

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.”