Nissan electric Micra qualifies for £3,750 grant despite uncertainty over Sunderland plant

The latest version of the small city car will be built at Nissan's ElectriCity production site in northern France, with the first UK deliveries expected next month.

Nissan confirmed that the higher grant will apply to both new orders and customers who have already placed orders for the 52kWh model.

However, the smaller 40kWh version of the Micra will only qualify for the lower £1,500 grant. After the discount is applied, that model will start from £21,495.

James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, said the change in battery supply means the longer-range Micra now qualifies for the full incentive.

He said: "Our new battery supplier means our longer-range Micra 52kWh now qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, ensuring great value for money for our customers."

Mr Taylor added that both the Micra and the new Leaf electric car launching this year are eligible for the highest level of Government support.

He said this strengthens Nissan's position in making electric cars more affordable for drivers looking to move to zero emission vehicles. Alongside the grant announcement, Nissan has also introduced new finance deals to lower monthly payments for customers.

Under the updated personal contract purchase offer, the entry-level 40kWh Engage model will be available from £293 per month. The example deal is based on a four-year agreement, 6,000 miles per year and a £1,500 deposit.

The longer-range 52kWh Advance version will cost £333 per month under the same terms. The Micra is now in its sixth generation, with the model having sold more than six million units globally since it first launched.

Two battery options are available. The smaller 40kWh battery offers a range of up to 196 miles on a single charge under WLTP testing standards.

The larger 52kWh version increases that range to around 257 miles between charges. Both models come equipped with Google Built-in technology and access to NissanConnect Services through a smartphone app.

The car will also be offered at three trim levels. The higher-spec Evolve version of the 52kWh Micra will cost £26,115 after the grant is applied, with monthly PCP payments reaching £372.

But the announcement comes at a time of growing uncertainty over Nissan's long-term manufacturing presence in the UK. Earlier this month, the Japanese carmaker warned it could be forced to shut its Sunderland factory if Britain is excluded from new European Union manufacturing rules.

According to reports, Nissan executives described the situation as an "existential threat" if the UK loses access to EU incentives for electric vehicle production.

The EU's proposed "Made in EU" rules form part of the bloc's Industrial Accelerator Act, which aims to protect European manufacturers from overseas competition, particularly from China.

The rules would require certain electric vehicles, including fleet cars and smaller EVs, to be built inside the EU in order to qualify for incentives.

Some exemptions have been suggested for manufacturers, including Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota. Nissan's Sunderland plant currently employs around 6,000 people directly and supports a further 30,000 jobs across the wider supply chain.

The factory is the UK's largest single car manufacturing site and has recently received billions of pounds of investment to support electric vehicle production, including the next-generation Leaf.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, criticised the EU's proposals, accusing the bloc of "discriminating" against UK car production.

He urged the Government and the EU to work together quickly to resolve the issue and maintain close cooperation. A Government spokesperson said the UK remains "a close and trusted European partner" and called for continued collaboration to boost growth and economic security.