Two substantial PERTE VEC initiatives aim to propel electric and connected mobility across Spain, with Vigo playing a pivotal role alongside Madrid and Zaragoza. Large-scale programs under this framework rally community businesses to advance disruptive technologies in mobility electrification, launching from multiple points along the peninsula. In Vigo, Small Electric Cars and its partner Small Electricity actively participated in two PERTE projects linked to the automotive sector. One project targets a versatile electric vehicle with a payload above five tons, matching or surpassing the capabilities of a traditional car. A second effort plans to deploy ultra-fast charging stations that reuse battery cells, a pathway supported by the Balaídos manufacturing ecosystem. Source: PERTE program.
Although the stringent base rules of this PERTE have constrained Stellantis from disclosing its Vigo factory plans, including the proposed STLA platform to house new electric models, the company nonetheless announced two major projects valued at 266 million euros. The majority of funding, about 84 percent, is earmarked for the Zaragoza plant venture. This includes the arrival of two new electric vehicles slated for introduction from 2023. The remaining 46 million euros are dedicated to the Aries project, spanning the Vigo and Villaverde plants. Source: PERTE program.
Small Electric Energy is also engaged in the Aries initiative. A Veiga da Nha industrial area in Mos hosts a new base focused on battery reuse and recycling, a cornerstone of the project. The plan is to shorten charging times by introducing ultra-fast chargers that power up vehicles at unprecedented speeds. Source: PERTE program.
Movelco, another company within the Stellantis group, brings additional expertise to this effort. Its division specializes in electric mobility and has a strong emphasis on charging infrastructure. Stellantis requires substantial recharging capacity to meet the power demands of its plants, and the Small Electric Power project seeks to fulfill that need by scaling up charging networks. Source: PERTE program.
Off the beaten track
In the case of Small Electric Cars, participation in PERTE aligns with a 200 million euro initiative led by Grupo Sapa, a program that involves 27 companies, including several from Galicia. Participants include Urovesa, Unvi from the Pérez Rumbao group, and Castrosua. The goal is to slash the carbon footprint in freight and passenger transport while expanding the range of electric vehicles. The Vigo-based firm aims to develop a high-performance multi-purpose electric vehicle specifically designed for off-road use such as nature reserves and similar environments, as well as dense urban settings. The objective is to create a unit exceeding five tons that outmatches conventional models in capability and versatility. Source: PERTE program.