In a historic move towards a sustainable automotive future, Stellantis has officially inaugurated its Ellesmere Port manufacturing facility as the UK’s first electric vehicle (EV)-only manufacturing plant. This groundbreaking transformation also marks the first Stellantis plant globally dedicated solely to electric vehicle production. With a staggering £100 million investment, the Ellesmere Port plant has undergone a significant overhaul to transition into a hub for EV production.
The much-anticipated launch of the all-electric vans at Ellesmere Port signifies a pivotal moment in the automotive industry. This ambitious venture, guided by Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 commitment, aims to make the global group carbon-neutral by 2038.
The star of the show, the Vauxhall Combo Electric, along with its counterparts Opel Combo Electric, Peugeot e-Partner, and Citroën ë-Berlingo, are all set to be manufactured at this innovative plant. In a recent development prompted by soaring demand for electric vehicles across Europe, the plant will also produce the Fiat E-Doblò, compact vans, adding a new feather to Ellesmere Port's cap.
Diane Miller, Plant Director at Ellesmere Port, expressed her optimism about the future of the facility. “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,” she said. “While the welcome addition of the Fiat E-Doblò to the plant is a positive reflection of increasing electric vehicle demand.”
To accommodate this transformation, the Ellesmere Port plant underwent a series of critical changes. These included establishing a battery assembly shop, upgrading the General Assembly, and relocating the bodyshop. These measures have not only made the plant more energy-efficient but have also resulted in a 60% reduction in its total site area, thereby boosting productivity.
The transformation also encompasses a brand-new test track and the final stages of construction for a parts distribution warehouse, which is scheduled to become fully operational early next year. Sustainability was a prime focus of the upgrade, aligning with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 commitment. Key initiatives include the introduction of a more energy-efficient ‘4-wet' paint application process and the installation of a localised CHP (combined heat and power) plant to generate on-site electricity, leading to reduced emissions.
In their relentless pursuit of carbon neutrality, the Ellesmere Port plant is now striving to harness solar and wind power while connecting to the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline, further diminishing their carbon footprint.
The rich history of Ellesmere Port is intertwined with British automotive manufacturing. Established in 1962, the facility produced its first car, the Vauxhall Viva, in 1964. Over the years, it has proudly rolled out iconic models from the Vauxhall range, including the Chevette and successive generations of the Vauxhall and Opel Astra. With over 4.1 million units produced since 1985, the Ellesmere Port plant has been a stalwart in the UK automotive landscape.
Among the first electric vehicles to emerge from Ellesmere Port, the Vauxhall Combo Electric packs a powerful punch. It is equipped with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 100kW (136PS) electric motor, providing a range of up to 175 miles according to WLTP standards. Furthermore, a rapid 0-80% charge can be achieved in just 30 minutes when using a 100kW rapid charger.
This momentous shift towards electric vehicle manufacturing at Ellesmere Port cements the positions of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat as the only mainstream automotive brands producing vans in Britain. In addition to the Ellesmere Port plant, these brands continue to manufacture vans at the Stellantis factory in Luton, a legacy that dates back to 1905.
Kemi Badenoch, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, hailed the significance of this development. “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,” she stated. “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.”
As the automotive industry makes substantial strides towards a sustainable future, the Ellesmere Port plant's transformation serves as a beacon of hope and innovation, embodying a commitment to a greener, more environmentally conscious future.