STELLANTIS ANNOUNCES START OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE PRODUCTION AT ELLESMERE PORT - THE UK'S FIRST EV-ONLY MANUFACTURING PLANT
Added: 15 September 2023
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It is also the first Stellantis plant globally dedicated to electric vehicle manufacturing
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Plant has been transformed for EV production following £100 million investment
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Plant upgrade forms part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 commitment to become a carbon neutral group, globally, by 2038
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Fiat E-Doblò production expands the scope of Ellesmere Port plant to cater for increased demand for electric vans
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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 marked the start of electric vehicle production at its Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility, as the first all-electric vans roll off the production line.
Ellesmere Port is making history, both as the UK's first EV-only manufacturing plant, as well as being Stellantis' first plant globally to be dedicated to electric vehicles. This follows a £100 million investment to transform the plant.
The Ellesmere Port plant will provide for numerous Stellantis brands, building Peugeot, Vauxhall, Opel, Citroen and Fiat.
The port will also be responsible for producing a number of electric passenger vehicles, further cementing Stellantis' commitment to the switch to electric.
Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: “Today’s announcement in which Ellesmere Port becomes the UK’s first electric vehicle-only manufacturing plant and the first Stellantis plant globally dedicated to electric vehicles, is a very visible demonstration that this Government has got the right plan 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.”
Diane Miller, Plant Director, 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.”
The Ellesmere port has gone through a number of changes for EV production, includi9ng the addition of a battery assembly shop, upgraded general assembly and relocation of the bodyshop. These changes have also resulted in a 6% reduction in he sites area, making the site much more energy efficient. A new test track has also been built.
Ellesmere Port was built in 1962 and produced its first car, the Vauxhall Viva, in 1964. Since then, it has produced iconic models from the Vauxhall range including the Chevette and successive generations of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra. Since 1985, more than 4.1 million units have rolled off the production lines at Ellesmere Port.
Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat are currently the only mainstream automotive brands to produce vans in Britain. Alongside the Ellesmere Port plant, they all continue to make vans at the Stellantis factory in Luton, which has been operating since 1905.
