Renault Group is entering into a partnership with Phoenix Mobility. This French company specialises in converting combustion-engine commercial vehicles to electric powertrains. The parties will jointly develop and market a retrofit kit. With this kit, a Renault commercial vehicle with an internal combustion engine older than 5 years can be converted into an electric vehicle.
The French car manufacturer has been betting on electric commercial vehicles for some time. For instance, the company supplies electric versions of its Master and Kangoo vans. With the retrofit kit now announced, the French carmaker is taking a different tack.
Conversion kits from Phoenix Mobility
Phoenix Mobility is a French start-up focused on designing and manufacturing conversion kits that convert petrol or diesel vehicles into fully electric vehicles. The process is also known as retrofitting a vehicle. The kits are available for the Renault Master, Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, among others. However, consider also the Renault Trafic, Citroën Jumpy, Mercedes Vito and Opel Vivaro.
The electric vehicles created thanks to the conversion kits offer a range of 100km to 250km. Phoenix Mobility supplies the vehicles with a built-in charger. An optional fast charger and a touchscreen navigation screen are also available.
Proof of concept
So the parties are now joining forces. The first phase of the partnership serves as proof of concept. The parties aim to market a retrofit kit from 2023. It will initially be available for the Renault Master. In the first phase, Renault and Phoenix Mobility aim to commercialise and install around 1,000 retrofit kits. In time, the kits should also become available for other Renault models.
Assembly of the retrofit kits will take place at the so-called 'Re-Factory' in Flins. Phoenix Mobility will take care of commercialisation.
'Emerging market with great potential'
"Renault Group, a major player in the electric vehicle market, is once again positioning itself as a pioneer to develop an innovative retrofit solution in a still emerging market with great potential. This partnership with Phoenix Mobility is the first association between a carmaker and a promising start-up to launch an unreleased commercial offering on the after-sales market, responding to the expectations of our business customers looking for more sustainable and economical mobility solutions. This project fits perfectly with Renault Group's strategy to make the Re-Factory in Flins the first site for circular mobility economy," explained François Delion, Renault Group's Director of After-Sales.
"Phoenix Mobility, the leader in retrofit kits for public and corporate commercial vehicle fleets for three years, is continuing its industrial strategy thanks to this partnership with Renault Group. This new phase in our development will allow us to quickly meet the growing market demand," added Wadie Maaninou, founder and CEO of Phoenix Mobility.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Renault Group
