Ellesmere Port becomes UK's inaugural electric vehicle-only factory

author: FutureCar Staff    

Stellantis has transformed its Ellesmere Port plant into the first manufacturing facility in the UK dedicated solely to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). It is also the first BEV-only plant globally for the Stellantis group. The plant, which received a £100m investment, will produce small electric vans and passenger car variants for Stellantis' brands.

The Cheshire plant, originally opened in 1962 and known for producing the Vauxhall Astra from 1981 to 2022, will now manufacture the Vauxhall/Opel Combo Electric, Peugeot e-Partner, and Citroën ë-Berlingo sister models. Additionally, the Fiat E-Doblò will be produced at the plant due to increased demand for electric vehicles in Europe. In 2024, the plant will also produce the Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, Peugeot e-Rifter, and Citroën ë-Berlingo MPVs.

The launch of the Ellesmere Port plant was hailed by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch as a demonstration of the government's commitment to the UK's automotive sector. Badenoch stated that the investments from major vehicle manufacturers are securing jobs and keeping the UK at the forefront of automotive innovation.

Diane Miller, the Plant Director of Ellesmere Port, expressed optimism about the future of the plant, highlighting Vauxhall's long history of UK manufacturing. She also emphasized the positive reflection of increasing electric vehicle demand with the addition of the Fiat E-Doblò to the plant.

The transformation of Ellesmere Port for EV production involved the establishment of a battery assembly shop, an upgraded general assembly, and the relocation of the bodyshop. The site area has been reduced by 60% to enhance energy efficiency and productivity. A new test track has been built, and a parts distribution warehouse is under construction and set to be operational in early 2024.

The plant upgrade aligns with Stellantis' commitment to halve its carbon footprint by 2030 and become a carbon-neutral company globally by 2038. Sustainability improvements include a more energy-efficient paint application process and the installation of a localised combined heat and power plant to generate onsite electricity and reduce emissions. The plant's long-term plans involve running on solar and wind power and connecting to the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline.

The revival of Ellesmere Port continues Vauxhall's tradition of manufacturing vehicles in the UK since 1903. Currently, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat are the only mainstream automotive brands producing vans in Britain. All four brands also manufacture vans at the Stellantis factory in Luton, which has been in operation since 1905.

FutureCar Staff