Electric vehicle production has started at the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port following a £100m investment from Stellantis.
Ellesmere Port is the UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant and the first Stellantis facility globally dedicated to electric vehicles.
The cutting-edge facility is poised to churn out an array of electric van models, responding to the surging demand for eco-friendly commercial vehicles across Europe.
Repertoire to include passenger cars
Beginning in 2024, the Ellesmere Port plant will extend its electric vehicle repertoire to include passenger cars, offering a diverse range of options under the Stellantis umbrella.
Customers can anticipate the arrival of the Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, Peugeot e-Rifter, and Citroën ë-Berlingo MPVs.
This transformative upgrade to the Ellesmere Port facility plays a vital role in Stellantis’ ambitious Dare Forward 2030 commitment to achieve carbon neutrality on a global scale by 2038.
Momentous occasion
Diane Miller, plant director at Ellesmere Port, said: “The start of electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port signals a bright future for the plant, ensuring it will continue to manufacture vehicles for many years to come.
“With Vauxhall’s long history of UK manufacturing, it’s especially fitting that the first electric model to roll off Ellesmere Port’s production line is a Combo Electric. Whilst the welcome addition of the Fiat E-Doblò to the plant is a positive reflection of increasing electric vehicle demand.
“Stellantis is committed to working with the Government to ensure the UK automotive industry remains competitive for producing electric vehicles for the long-term.”
Business secretary Kemi Badenoch, said the development was testament to the government’s strategic vision for the UK’s automotive sector.
“Alongside recent investments from other major vehicle manufacturers, we are ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of automotive innovation as well as securing jobs in this critical industry and its wider supply chain,” she said.
Modifications
To facilitate this transformation to EV production, the Ellesmere Port plant underwent significant modifications. These include the establishment of a battery assembly shop, upgrades to the general assembly process, and the relocation of the body shop.
These changes have contributed to a remarkable 60 per cent reduction in the total site area, leading to improved energy efficiency and enhanced productivity.
Furthermore, a state-of-the-art test track has been constructed, while the final stages of construction are underway for a new parts distribution warehouse, set to become fully operational in early 2024.
These upgrades underscore the plant’s commitment to delivering top-notch electric vehicles while striving for a sustainable and eco-conscious future.
