- Vauxhall’s Luton plant to begin limited production of Vivaro Electric, a medium electric van, from H1 2025.
- Luton becomes the second Stellantis UK plant for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing after Ellesmere Port.
- The move aligns with Stellantis’ broader electrification strategy, with the Luton plant’s rich history dating back to 1905.
Vauxhall’s Luton plant will produce the Vivaro Electric, expanding Stellantis’ electric van interests in the UK
Vauxhall initiates limited production of its medium electric van, the Vivaro Electric, at its Luton manufacturing facility in the first half of 2025. This positions Luton as the second Stellantis plant in the UK to venture into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, closely following the transformation of the Ellesmere Port facility into the country’s inaugural electric-only volume manufacturing plant.
Scheduled to commence works in 2024, the Luton plant is gearing up for the production of medium electric vans, coinciding with the ongoing production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vans.
Luton’s manufacturing scope expands beyond the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric to include counterparts from other Stellantis brands, such as Opel Vivaro Electric, Peugeot E-Expert, Citroën ë-Dispatch, and Fiat Professional E-Scudo. Primarily aimed at the UK Right Hand Drive market, the facility will maintain flexibility for exports to Left Hand Drive markets.
This strategic decision aligns with the broader trend towards electrification across all Stellantis sites producing vans in Europe. With a storied history dating back to its opening in 1905 and a legacy of Vauxhall van production since 1932, the Luton plant is a cornerstone in this transformative journey.
Mark Noble, Luton Plant Director & Stellantis UK Manufacturing Lead, commented:
“Whilst this decision demonstrates Stellantis’ confidence in the plant, this first step in its re-development towards a fully electric future requires the UK Government to stimulate more demand in the electric vehicle market and support manufacturers that invest in the UK for a sustainable transition.”
Maria Grazia Davino, Stellantis UK Managing Director, underscores the imperative for government support in propelling EV demand and facilitating a sustainable transition for manufacturers investing in the UK.
The Vivaro Electric, featuring a 75kWh battery and 100kW electric motor, touts a range of up to 217 miles (WLTP). In practical terms, a rapid charger enables a 5-80% charge completion in just 45 minutes.
Zooming out, Stellantis commands a significant share in both Europe’s van and electric van markets. In the UK, the conglomerate, spearheaded by Vauxhall, seized a 47.9% stake in the electric van market last year, with the Vivaro Electric clinching the top position as the best-selling electric van. The move also massively expands the UK’s native EV production, with Ellesmere Port leading the global charge as the first Stellantis plant dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles.
