Stellantis Vigo and the regional energy puzzle for a future of electric models
Stellantis operates in Vigo with a factory once connected to Fiat Automobili Srbija, and local planning is tied to the expansion of electric vehicle production. The company is preparing for a new model that will replace the 500L and will be marketed only in an electric version, alongside other anticipated small projects. The Costa family of Vigo is closely watching how the plant’s roadmap unfolds and how it aligns with energy infrastructure in the region. This investment signals a broader push toward electrification that extends beyond a single site and into the surrounding industrial ecosystem.
The initial commitment points to a 190 million euro investment for the plant. The project emphasizes resilience against electricity supply fluctuations that have challenged industrial hubs in recent years. A critical upgrade involves reinforcing the power network with higher voltage capacity. In Kragujevac and Kraljevo, substation work is underway to raise the line to 440 kilovolts, aiming for more stable power delivery to high‑demand facilities. The goal is a robust link that can support ongoing production needs and future expansions.
Stellantis Vigo sits within a dense network of suppliers and service providers in the region. For now, the central government has not guaranteed shifts in the investment program, so Galicia’s leading export base remains connected to a 132 kilovolt grid rather than the higher voltage backbone. Among more than a hundred automotive factories across the European Union, only a handful operate without access to a 220 kilovolt level. This structural gap remains a recurring issue for Stellantis and for Ceaga, a cluster that brings together two hundred Galician automotive firms. It is described as a critical factor for the competitiveness of not only the largest car factory in Spain but the wider automotive industry and the city itself. The existing grid has faced reliability concerns, with power outages recorded in past years affecting operations and the performance of software and automation systems.
Stellantis Vigo is preparing the renewal of the K9 in parallel with the new version of 2008
Industry oversight has acknowledged the need to strengthen supply lines. The Ministry of Ecological Transformation has faced calls to step in when necessary, while the Ministry of Industry has emphasized that the supply must be reinforced. Despite multiple minor outages, the system remains under review, and manufacturers continue to monitor how grid reliability affects component manufacturing and vehicle assembly. The broader message is clear: a reliable grid is foundational to the region’s automotive competitiveness and its ability to attract and sustain high‑value production and employment.
“It is a very important infrastructure for the competitiveness of not only the largest car factory in Spain, but also the entire automotive industry and the city in general.”
Novo Vigo substation
The European map of high voltage networks shows power lines at 220 kilovolts or higher still flowing into many plants. In Vigo, one substation could redirect power from an existing route linking Atios to Pazos de Borbén. In 2015 the Novo Vigo project was budgeted at 66.8 million euros. This grid is designed to power all car factories in Spain except Vigo’s, and it coordinates with global production sites in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy to ensure a steady current for manufacturing and logistics. Substations across Germany support plants in Zwickau and Dresden, while Dutch facilities rely on voltage levels up to 380 kilovolts. In Italy, grid modernization is underway to connect towns near Turin to very high voltage, supporting high-end vehicle production and related operations. The broader aim is to secure a modern, resilient electricity backbone that underpins a dynamic European automotive sector.
Balaidos, on the remaining list
Across Europe, several nations host facilities that depend on robust electrical networks. Italy, France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Romania all host plants integrated into a shared grid approach. An industry minister announced the formation of a working group to address Stellantis Vigo’s needs without scheduling further meetings for the time being. The focus remains on ensuring a reliable energy supply to keep production lines running and to support future investments in the region.
Stellantis manages to include minimum projects in PERTE for Balaídos and Madrid factories
The PERTE program continues to shape investment in the sector, though some projects still await final decisions. In Balaídos and Madrid, certain initiatives have been advanced, and there is ongoing dialogue about how additional funds might accelerate modernization and upgrades. These efforts aim to strengthen capacity, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth across Spain’s auto manufacturing footprint.
curtain
There is also no update on the Perte VEC program, which supports electric and connected vehicle initiatives. The Balaídos plant, along with Villaverde in Madrid, is part of recent discussions, with a multi‑million euro framework connected to European finance. Industry experts note that final resolutions and funding amounts remain to be determined and disclosed in due course.