Owners of combustion engine-powered light commercial vehicles will soon be able to convert them to electric power thanks to a new retrofitting system launched by French high-tech company Qinomic in partnership with Stellantis Pro One.

The project, which started about two and a half years ago, was developed in collaboration with Stellantis’ circular economy business unit SUSTAINera, and will allow owners of combustion-powered LCVs to convert them to electric power instead of buying new ones.

This new technology will initially be available in France on mid-sized Stellantis Pro One vans such as the Fiat Professional Scudo, Opel Vivaro, Peugeot Expert, and Citroen Jumpy.

The partnership is described as ‘win-win’ by Stellantis Pro One and will see Qinomic purchase the original components necessary for the conversion (over 200, mainly related to the battery and electric motor) directly from Stellantis, while Stellantis will recover the thermal components mainly related to the engine, gearbox, tank and exhaust system.

These components, depending on their condition and mileage, will be directed to SUSTAINera’s Circular Economy Hub in Mirafiori, Turin, Italy and destined for new use or remanufacturing.

A statement released by Stellantis said: “By offering this new technical solution, which guarantees OEM quality and compliance with specific requirements such as safety, durability, and homologation, the transition to zero CO2 emission mobility is favoured, while simultaneously extending the useful life of vehicles, offering owners the opportunity to continue using them longer.

“This marks another step towards electrification and contributes to the Stellantis’ decarbonisation strategy, supporting the vision of safeguarding freedom of mobility through the offer of safe, sustainable, and affordable solutions together with its partners.”

Stellantis Pro One is the business division of automotive group Stellantis dedicated to commercial vehicles.