Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, Fiat Professional, Opel and Peugeot, wanted to offer van owners the opportunity to convert their existing diesel vehicles into electric powertrains. To this end, Stellantis has entered into a strategic partnership with Qinomic, a high-tech company specializing in innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.

Together, the companies wanted to create a retrofit solution to convert an internal combustion engine van into an electric powertrain, while maintaining quality and OEM specifications, such as safety, durability and type approval.

“I am delighted that Stellantis is working with Qinomic on this advancement in retrofit technology,” said Alison Jones, Senior Vice President of Stellantis, Circular Economy Business Unit. “This innovation gives our professional customers the option to convert their current van to electric, extending the life of their vehicle and complying with legal and mobility requirements.”

Extending the life and utilization of vehicles is at the core of the Stellantis Circular Economy Business Unit, which is leading the initiative in partnership with the Commercial Vehicles Business Unit and Studio Stellantis Ventures.

Electrical retrofit solutions aim to protect freedom of mobility with affordable options that meet customers’ needs to extend the life of their vehicles and continue business operations while accessing Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in cities.

“The technology retrofit will enhance Stellantis leadership in zero-emission mobility solutions for professional customers, complementing our full range of electric vans,” said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit.

Next year, Stellantis and Qinomic want to develop the concept so that it can be marketed in 2024, starting in France.