Stellantis has granted approval to the works council at its Spanish plant in Vigo to commence production of small electric cars based on the STLA Small platform. The decision, unsurprising to industry observers, is part of the company’s strategic shift towards electric vehicle manufacturing. However, the awaited confirmation for a second Spanish plant in Zaragoza is still pending.
Spanish media reports indicate that production in Vigo is slated to commence in 2027 or 2028. It is anticipated that the STLA Small platform may also be adopted at the Zaragoza plant, though further details on this are currently unavailable. El Mundo reports that a conclusive commitment awaits agreement on internal efficiency and competitiveness targets.
The STLA Small platform, designed for smaller vehicles, aims to replace the existing CMP/e-CMP. Targeting small and compact cars as well as light commercial vehicles ranging from 3.50 to 4.35 meters in length, the platform accommodates batteries with capacities between 32 and 82 kWh. The drive module will feature 70 kW in smaller models, with the larger STLA Small series boasting power outputs between 125 and 180 kW. Notably, the STLA Small is primarily designed for electric drives, although it remains adaptable for combustion engines, a departure from the previous platform generation.
Vigo already produces electric models such as the Peugeot e-2008 and various electric panel van models. In Zaragoza, the Opel Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208, and soon the Lancia Ypsilon are built on the e-CMP platform. Both plants are set to receive a joint investment of around one billion euros, although the specific model distribution remains undisclosed.
However, the future of the Madrid plant, currently manufacturing the Citroën ë-C4 and ë-C4 X series, is uncertain, with no commitment yet for electric cars based on upcoming platforms. Stellantis and its three plants currently contribute over 38% to Spain’s total car production.
Reports from Forococheselectricos suggest that Stellantis is exploring the construction of a battery factory in Zaragoza with an annual capacity of 40 GWh. If realized, this would be Stellantis’ fourth European battery factory. Funding from the Spanish PERTE program is under consideration, with an initial promise of 55.9 million euros, significantly lower than the hoped-for 200 million euros for the three-billion-euro project. This discrepancy has reportedly led to disappointment at Stellantis, prompting the government of Pedro Sanchez to issue a statement emphasizing ongoing efforts to create conditions for compliance with the aid amount, potentially involving contributions from the provincial government of Aragon. However, no agreement has been reached at this stage.
