Renault ventures into utility vehicle retrofit

With Phoenix Mobility, Renault plans to launch its first kit in 2023.

The retrofit, which involves replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric unit, remains fairly marginal at present. However, an increasing number of companies are starting to take an interest. Start-ups, but also major automotive names like Renault.

The French manufacturer is also partnering with Phoenix Mobility, a Grenoble-based start-up specializing in retrofit. The two companies have signed a letter of intent, the first step toward establishing a proper partnership. Together, Renault and Phoenix Mobility will develop and commercially operate a retrofit kit for commercial vehicles.

A first retrofit kit for Renault Master will be marketed starting in 2023. “The aim of this initial phase is to sell and install about 1,000 retrofit kits and demonstrate, to professional clients, the benefits of the retrofit approach,” explains Renault. Subsequently, the offering will be expanded with kits for other utility vehicles.

The vehicle conversions will be carried out by the Re-Factory teams in Flins. An additional mission for the Yvelines site, which handles all activities related to the circular economy.

“This partnership with Phoenix Mobility represents the first collaboration between an automaker and a promising start-up to launch a new after-sales offering on the market and thus meet the expectations of our professional customers seeking more durable and economical mobility solutions,” said François Delion, Renault Group’s After-Sales Director.

A €5,000 subsidy for retrofit

It is still too early to speak about the cost of the transformation that Renault and its partner will offer. Moreover, it will vary depending on the customer’s needs and particularly the range they desire. The Ministry of Ecological Transition estimates the average retrofit cost to be between €15,000 and €20,000. However, there are aids available to reduce the bill, including a national bonus of €5,000 for vans. Note that the vehicle must be at least 5 years old to qualify for the scheme.

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