Solutrans 2023: VM Driving Report Stellantis Qinomic Van - Retrofit Electric Vehicle

As you hear, you hear nothing: The diesel era is over for the retired midsize van. In this case, French postal service La Poste has already had a Citroen Jumpy diesel retrofitted with the conversion kit from Stellantis partner Qinomic. And now they no longer have to worry about entry restrictions. Specialist Qinomic plans to start large-scale electrification of decommissioned, mid-age diesel vans from 2024, initially in France, and later in other countries and for other model types.

The "dandelion yellow" 3.0-ton vehicle at the Solutrans booth in Lyon may show some signs of use but is otherwise ready for a second life in emissions-free mode. The retrofit division under the corporate umbrella takes on many components already known from the new version of the e-van: a 100-kW motor, for example, replaces the diesel engine under the hood. Additionally, the original e-instrument cluster is installed, the gear shift knob on the center console is replaced by the drive mode console, and the bulky handbrake between the seats is replaced by the electric handbrake.
 

Right-Sized: Smaller Battery Good for 200 Kilometers

Where the converter goes its own way is with the battery: Here, a compact 45-kWh lithium-ion storage must suffice, for example, to meet the requirements of La Poste couriers: They need a maximum range of 200 kilometers daily. The AC charging power of 11 kW is also completely adequate for them. Nevertheless, the second-life electric vehicle can also fast charge, although not quite as quickly as the "original". It takes 54 minutes to go from 20 to 80 percent. The payload capacity of the diesel is largely retained, with the retrofit van able to load up to 900 kilos.

Decommissioned Diesel: The Retrofit Electric Car Drives Great

So, how does the retrofitted electric car drive? See above: As you hear, you hear nothing. It is just as quiet as the new version, accelerates just as well, and is pleasing in B-mode with useful recuperation. The handbrake in our test model, still a prototype, will no longer be present. The only outmoded feature in this vehicle is the ignition key that needs to be turned to "start" the synchronous motor, but one can't have everything. In the end, you get a significantly more comfortable and faster replacement for the diesel without investing a fortune.