Nissan has revealed plans to start building its popular electric vehicle at the UK's largest car production plant in a bid to attract more drivers to give up their petrol and diesel cars.
The third-generation Leaf electric vehicle will be returning to the Sunderland plant for production and will offer up to 375 miles of range on a single charge when it goes on sale later this year.
The Japanese manufacturer revealed the redesigned Leaf yesterday as part of its transformation of the northeast plant into a major electric vehicle hub.
The new model represents the first vehicle to be launched under Nissan's EV36Zero blueprint for future EV production, which hopes to bring all its models into the new electric era.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Nissan Leaf will be available to purchase in the Autumn
NISSAN
The carmaker explained that two versions of the electric car will be available for drivers to purchase when orders open in the Autumn.
The Standard model features a 52kWh battery providing up to 270 miles of range, while the Extended version uses a 75kWh battery to achieve a 375-mile capability.
The vehicle will be built at Nissan's Sunderland facility by a workforce of 6,000 people and will be powered by batteries from AESC, Britain's newest gigafactory, which is located adjacent to the Nissan plant.
This integration forms part of Nissan's vision to transform Sunderland into a flagship EV hub, bringing together electric vehicle production, renewable energy, and battery manufacturing.
The plant's electrification plans extend beyond the Leaf with the next-generation Nissan Qashqai e-POWER set to arrive in the coming months, followed by an all-new fully electric Juke next year.
Alan Johnson, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing, said: "It's with immense pride that we unveil the third generation of our pioneering electric Leaf, 12 years after we brought EV and battery manufacturing to the UK.
"It's a testament to the skill of our world-class team that we can bring into mass production a vehicle with such advanced technology and aerodynamic design. We can't wait to see it on the road."
Meanwhile, James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, added that the Leaf is a pioneering electric vehicle that has "encouraged thousands to make the switch to electric motoring and best of all, it was built here in Britain."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Motorists face massive blow as Dartford Crossing increases fees by 40% for first time in 11 years
- M23 chaos: Drivers told to expect delays as major motorway closes near Gatwick Airport due to overrun roadworks
- Donald Trump could green light new automotive tariffs on UK car brands this week in fresh update
Electric Nissan Leaf has sold more than 650,000 units worldwideNISSANThe arrival of the Leaf production comes at a crucial time for the UK, which has currently brought forward its ambitious Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.
Under the measures, it requires all new car sales to be electric by 2030, with at least 28 per cent electric this year, due to the mandate being brought forward, Labour has introduced certain flexibilities for carmakers to help them meet the targets.
The third-generation Leaf sits on the same platform as the Nissan Ariya and features new technological upgrades. The interior includes dual 14.3-inch displays powered by a Google-based operating system.
Taylor noted that previous Leaf generations found homes with more than 70,000 UK customers. "We're really excited about the launch of the all-new Leaf later this year. It builds on the success of the previous two generations," he said.
The Sunderland plant will feature 6,000 workers
NISSAN
Nissan's broader electrification strategy includes the new fully electric Micra, designed in London, which will go on sale later this year.
The company revealed it will also launch a smaller city car in 2026, ensuring a full range of electric vehicles suitable for all customers.
David Moss, Senior Vice President for Region Research and Development at Nissan, shared: "As well as welcoming the return of the Micra as an EV and the third generation of our revolutionary Leaf, we've made significant steps with one of our most popular technologies.
"Having reinvented the hybrid with the introduction of e-POWER by making it quieter and more responsive than a traditional hybrid, the forthcoming updates to e-POWER will make it even more efficient, more refined and closer overall to a pure EV-driving experience. It will remain the powertrain of choice for buyers who love the feel of driving electric, but don’t want to recharge."
Most Read
