Stellantis has reinvented its Ellesmere Port factory, turning the facility that previously built the Vauxhall Astra into a production plant for its range of electric vans.
The plant will now produce the Vauxhall Combo Electric compact van and its sister models, the Citroen e-Berlingo, Fiat E-Doblo, Opel Combo Electric and Peugeot e-Partner.
Following a £100 million investment to transform the plant and make it suitable for eLCV production, Ellesmere Port is now the UK’s first EV-only manufacturing plant and the first Stellantis plant globally dedicated to electric vehicles.
From 2024, the plant will also produce passenger versions of the electric vehicles, including the Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life Electric.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, 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.”
Ellesmere Port plant director Diane Miller added: “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-Doblo 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.”
Ellesmere Port Transformation
As part of its transition to EV production, the Ellesmere Port plant has implemented significant changes. These include establishing a battery assembly shop, enhancements to the General Assembly, and relocating the bodyshop. These modifications have led to a 60% reduction in the total site area, optimising energy efficiency and productivity. At 118,000m2, the entire plant is now a similar size to the previous bodyshop.
A new test track has been constructed, and a parts distribution warehouse is nearing completion, set to be fully operational by early 2024.
Sustainability improvements include adopting a more energy-efficient ‘4-wet’ paint application process, while a localised CHP (combined heat and power) plant is being installed to generate electricity on-site, bringing a further reduction in emissions.
The plant is working towards running on solar and wind power and connecting to the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline.
