Four Stellantis projects
Stellantis has several battery and electrification initiatives underway in Spain, with Zaragoza at the center of discussions on public incentives. The Antares project sought support under the Perte VEC program to boost battery production capacity, aiming for a sizable public grant while the total investment exceeded one billion euros. In the current arrangement, the company would receive public assistance totaling around 53.3 million euros, part of a broader package that, according to European subsidy rules, caps aid for the autonomous community. This led to a reduction where the multinational would access roughly a quarter of the requested funds. The situation raises questions about the speed and scale of investment needed for Aragon’s automotive sector, although changes to the plan remain possible as details are clarified. Stellantis stated it would pursue maximum support for approved projects and noted ongoing scrutiny of the group’s financial viability in Spain. The company emphasized that it follows a global policy of not commenting on speculative timelines, locations, or project types within the organization while underscoring its commitment to electrification and achieving net zero emissions as Europe expands its battery capacity. In addition, confidentiality around project specifics is common, with formal details released when decisions are finalized. The ministry confirmed the total investment for this action at 267 million euros, with 53.3 million euros in aid, though some observers believe the figures may not fully cover the sector’s needs. If the initiative progresses, it is expected to align with the existing Figueruelas plant and its surroundings, linking to the broader battery industry strategy. The exact reasons behind the current stance remain unclear, though technical considerations could play a role in the evaluation.
The Zaragoza plant secured additional support through the Perte VEC program to open a new battery assembly line for electric vehicles. This facility, building on years of battery-related activity since Opel launched the Corsa-e, has already added models such as the Peugeot e-208, with a third model anticipated to join the lineup in the near future. The plan also includes a prospective expansion of industrial platforms within the group. Stellantis has presented a joint proposal for electrification at both the Figueruelas and Vigo sites, aiming to deploy new industrial platforms, STLA Small, across two factories. This standardization is expected to support small models from 2026, including those already in production at Zaragoza.
Progress on the Perte VEC second call is anticipated as the group seeks to strengthen the regional value chain for electric and connected vehicles. The objective is to advance electrification at the Figueruelas and Vigo facilities through coordinated investments and platform deployment. The ministry announced a new phase of the Perte Electric Car program for early 2024, preserving the same funding envelope of 1,250 million euros. The program will offer two application windows: one for battery production projects and another for the electric vehicle value chain.
Other tasks
The Ministry of Industry approved a fresh round of aid for electric vehicle battery production under Perte VEC II. Seven new bids totaling 87 million euros received provisional authorization. Alongside the four Stellantis projects, the decision also covered Beecycle, Mobis, Fragnor, and Lithium Iberia, with a separate financing package for a 1.6 million euro battery recycling facility in Navarra. The ministry highlighted the automotive sector’s proactive role in positioning Spain as a hub for European mobility through these investments. Officials expressed confidence in delivering aid swiftly and ensuring full utilization of funds across both individual and battery-focused projects, reinforcing the nation’s acceleration of the energy transition.