Fiat E-Ducato


Stellantis and Toyota have announced an extension to their existing partnership, adding that a battery-electric addition to the former’s large commercial van fleet is already in the works.

The collaboration between Toyota and the-then PSA Peugeot-Citroen-Fiat alliance began in 2012, when the mid-sized Fiat Scudo, built in the conglomerate’s Hordain facility in France, was refurbished and sold as the Toyota ProAce. The collaboration continued with the next generation – now compact and now electric – ProAce in 2019, built at Stellantis’ Vigo plant in Spain and based on the company’s EMP2 platform.

Though few details have been provided, Stellantis’ announcement confirms that a large-size commercial vehicle, and a battery-electric version, are now in the works. Planned for release in Europe in 2024 (no details have been provided yet regarding a potential North American release), this is the third commercial body type to be manufactured for Toyota under the agreement, and simultaneously marks the Japanese brand’s entry into the in the large commercial van (LCV) market.

The battery-electric model, meanwhile, also works towards Stellantis’ ‘Dare Forward 2030’ electrification strategy, through which the conglomerate plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2038, including a 50 per cent reduction by 2030. Stellantis has also targeted 100 per cent of its European sales and half of its American sales to come from battery-electric vehicles come the end of the decade.

“Operational excellence is by definition recognized in this expanded deal,” explains Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “With this third successful engagement, Stellantis is further demonstrating its expertise in the commercial vehicle segment and in developing battery electric technology built to support a full range of needs.

“This agreement strengthens our leadership in the EU30 for LCVs and low emission vehicles and moves us a step closer to realizing our Dare Forward 2030 goal of becoming the undisputed global light commercial vehicle leader, in terms of technology, manufacturing, market share and profitability.”

Though not directly named, it’s been speculated that the new battery-electric van would be a successor to Fiat’s e-Ducato.

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