Vauxhall has confirmed its Ellesmere Port plant will become global giant Stellantis’ first dedicated electric van production facility.
Ellesmere Port will produce battery electric vans for Vauxhall, along with partner Stellantis brands Opel, Peugeot and Citroen.
The future of the site, which currently produces the Vauxhall Astra, has been secured with £100m investment from Stellantis and further backing from the UK government.
Stellantis bosses say Ellesmere Port will now become a pivotal factory in further boosting its leading commercial vehicle position in Europe.
The factory, which will become Stellantis’ first pure electric facility, will also produce passenger versions of each brand’s models.
Bosses praised a “collaborative process between the company and the Unite union”, along with the workforce’s “drive to transform their plant”.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares specifically “wanted to thank our highly skilled, dedicated workforce for their patience and contribution; we never let them down.
“Performance is always the trigger for sustainability and this £100million investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to Ellesmere Port.
“Producing battery electric vehicles here will support clean, safe and affordable mobility for the citizens. Since 1903, Vauxhall has manufactured vehicles in Britain, and we will continue to do so.”
Ellesmere Port will mark 60 years in 2022; it opened in 1962 and the first car, the Viva, was produced in 1964. Since then, it has produced more than 5.2 million vehicles.
Production of the new electric vans will begin in late 2022.
Carbon neutral
Planned upgrades for Ellesmere Port include a new body shop and upgraded vehicle assembly area. There will also be an on-site battery pack.
The firm will also work to make the site carbon-neutral by 2025 – and intends for it to be 100 percent self-sufficient for electricity with the addition of new wind and solar farms.
Stellantis admits the overall site area will be compressed – but does intend to consult on further investment with the creation of a new UK parts distribution centre.
Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said Stellantis’ decision to “double down on their commitment to this site is a clear vote of confidence in the UK as one of the best locations globally for competitive, high-quality automotive production.
“Today’s decision will not only power Ellesmere Port into a clean future, but will secure thousands of jobs across the region.”
Ellesmere Port new EVs
The new EVs will have a 136hp electric motor and 50kWh battery, giving a 174-mile driving range.
Using a 100kW charger, they will recharge from 0 percent to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
The van versions will help support growing demand for zero-emission urban deliveries, while the passenger versions will seat up to seven.
So far in 2021, the best-selling vehicle in Britain is a van, and Vauxhall is the UK’s best-selling EV commercial vehicle brand.
Market leader Ford has yet to launch a fully electric version of its best-selling Transit range.
Vans
- Vauxhall Combo-e
- Opel Combo-e
- Peugeot e-Partner
- Citroen e-Berlingo
Passenger cars
- Vauxhall Combo-e Life
- Opel Combo-e Life
- Peugeot e-Rifter
- Citroen e-Berlingo
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