Stellantis announces start of electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port – the UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant
VauxhallUk

Stellantis announces start of electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port – the UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant

Stellantis announces start of electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port – the UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant
  • Ellesmere Port becomes UK’s first manufacturing plant dedicated solely to electric vehicles, as production of the group’s all-electric small van gets underway
  • It is also the first Stellantis plant globally dedicated to electric vehicle manufacturing
  • Plant has been transformed for EV production following £100 million investment
  • Plant upgrade forms part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 commitment to become a carbon neutral group, globally, by 2038
  • Fiat E-Doblò production expands the scope of Ellesmere Port plant to cater for increased demand for electric vans
  • Ellesmere Port continues Vauxhall’s tradition of manufacturing vehicles in the UK, which started in 1903, ahead of becoming an electric-only brand in 2028

Stellantis has announced that electric vehicle production has commenced at its Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility, making it the first plant in the UK dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The plant has also become the first Stellantis facility globally dedicated to electric vehicle manufacturing. This milestone was achieved following an investment of £100 million to transform the plant for EV production.

The Ellesmere Port plant will produce various electric vans, including the Vauxhall Combo Electric, Opel Combo Electric, Peugeot e-Partner, Citroën ë-Berlingo, and the newly announced Fiat E-Doblò, to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe. In addition, starting from 2024, the plant will also manufacture a range of electric passenger vehicles across the Stellantis brands.

Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, praised the announcement, stating that the UK government’s plan for the automotive sector is on the right track. Badenoch emphasized the importance of this investment in securing jobs and maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of automotive innovation.

Diane Miller, Plant Director of Ellesmere Port, expressed her optimism about the future of the plant, highlighting its longstanding history of vehicle manufacturing in the UK. She also mentioned that the addition of the Fiat E-Doblò to the plant reflects the increasing demand for electric vehicles.

To support EV production, the Ellesmere Port plant underwent significant changes, including the establishment of a battery assembly shop, upgraded General Assembly facilities, and the relocation of the body shop. As a result of these transformations, the plant has reduced its total site area by 60%, improving energy efficiency and productivity. The entire plant now occupies an area similar to the previous body shop.

In line with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 commitment, the Ellesmere Port plant aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality globally by 2038. Sustainability improvements include the implementation of a more energy-efficient paint application process and the installation of a local combined heat and power plant to generate on-site electricity, leading to further emissions reduction.

As part of its goal to become carbon neutral, the plant is also working towards utilizing solar and wind power, as well as connecting to the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline.

Since its establishment in 1962, the Ellesmere Port plant has produced various iconic models, including the Vauxhall Viva, Chevette, and Vauxhall and Opel Astra. With the introduction of electric vehicle production, the plant is well-positioned to continue manufacturing vehicles for many years to come.

The Vauxhall Combo Electric, one of the first electric vehicles to be produced at Ellesmere Port, features a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a 100kW (136PS) electric motor. It offers a range of up to 175 miles (WLTP) and can achieve a 0-80% charge in just 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger.

Currently, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat are the only mainstream automotive brands producing vans in Britain. Apart from the Ellesmere Port plant, these brands also manufacture vans at the Stellantis factory in Luton, which has been operational since 1905.

  

For more information, please contact:

Jeremy Townsend – UK Group Communications Director                                       
+44 (0)7827 896480                                                      
jeremy.townsend@stellantis.com