Let’s talk about vans. Not the shiny, flashy ones you see in adverts, but the real workhorses. The ones with a diesel engine that sounds like a chainsaw with a cold, an interior that smells like stale sweat, and an exhaust that pumps out more smoke than a campsite barbecue. For years, these beasts have been the backbone of every handyman, courier, or plumber. But times are changing, and city centres are getting tough. Diesels are about as welcome as a rip in your jeans during a job interview. So, what’s the plan? Buy a brand-new electric van? That’s pricier than an all-inclusive trip to the Maldives. Luckily, Stellantis and Qinomic have a scheme so clever it’s almost suspicious: they’re turning your old diesel clunker into a whisper-quiet EV. Yes, really.
The deal is simple but brilliant. Stellantis, the automotive giant behind brands like Fiat, Peugeot, and Citroën, has teamed up its Pro One division – a sort of elite squad for commercial vehicles – with Qinomic, a French start-up that’s made retrofitting an art form. Together, they take your old van, rip out the roaring diesel engine, and swap it for a battery pack and an electric motor. The result? A vehicle quiet enough to glide through a library, producing zero emissions and saving you a fortune on fuel. And the best part? You don’t need to buy a new van. It’s like upgrading your worn-out trainers to a pair of high-tech running shoes without breaking the bank.
How does it work, exactly? Qinomic supplies the batteries and electric motors, sourced straight from Stellantis. The old parts – engine, gearbox, fuel tank, exhaust – are neatly removed and bought back by Stellantis. Depending on their condition, they’re either recycled or reused at the SUSTAINera Circular Economy Hub in Mirafiori, Italy. That’s a fancy name for a factory where old parts get a second life, like a thrift shop for car components. The process isn’t just clever; it’s sustainable. Instead of sending your old van to the scrapyard, it gets a makeover that future-proofs it. And let’s be real: in a world where cities are cracking down on emissions, this is a golden ticket to dodge fines while keeping your business rolling.
But let’s not get too dreamy. This isn’t a cheap trick. A retrofit will set you back about €50,000, enough to make your eyes water. Luca Marengo, product manager at Stellantis, admits it straight up: “That’s a lot of money.” But compare that to a new electric van, which can easily cost double. Plus, you save on fuel and maintenance since electric motors have fewer moving parts than a diesel engine. It’s an investment, not an impulse buy. And for businesses looking to green their fleet without replacing every vehicle, this is a solution that sounds like music – or rather, the silence of an EV.
What makes this project so intriguing? It’s not just a technical feat; it’s a statement. Stellantis and Qinomic are essentially saying, “Why buy new when you can upgrade the old?” In an age drowning in throwaway culture, this take on sustainability is refreshing. It also fits perfectly with Stellantis Pro One’s zero-emission strategy. Their new electric vans, like the Citroën ë-Jumper or Peugeot e-Boxer, already boast impressive specs – think up to 420 km of range and fast charging at 150 kW. But not everyone can or wants to make the switch overnight. Retrofitting offers a middle ground, a chance to keep your trusty old van while joining the electric revolution.
There’s an added perk: the circular economy angle. By reusing parts, Stellantis cuts down on the need for new raw materials. Less mining, less production, less CO2. It’s not flawless – retrofitting is still a heavy process – but it’s a step in the right direction. And for the pragmatists out there: it extends your van’s lifespan. More years of loyal service, more miles, more jobs. Who doesn’t love an old mate getting a second wind?
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The price is a hurdle, and the tech is still evolving. Stellantis has been testing the concept in France since 2022, with prototypes gathering customer feedback. It wasn’t until 2024 that the plan really took off, so we’re still in the pioneer phase. But if the trials succeed, this could be a game-changer for the commercial vehicle market. Especially in Europe, where cities like Brussels and Amsterdam are cracking down on diesels, the demand for affordable EV solutions is massive.
So, what’s the verdict? Stellantis and Qinomic have something special on their hands. It’s not the cheapest option, nor the most glamorous, but it’s smart, practical, and future-proof. For any entrepreneur who’s not ready to ditch their old diesel van but wants to ride the green wave, this is a chance to have the best of both worlds. And honestly? The idea of turning a rattling old van into a silent, clean machine has a touch of magic. It’s like an ageing rockstar landing a new chart-topper.
Ready to green your fleet or just curious about what’s out there? Head to our marketplace at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/, where you can search and buy cars that match your style and budget.
