- Production of the all-new, third-generation Nissan Leaf is now underway in the UK, with the latest model now rolling off the Sunderland production line in the North of England.
- The new EV brings to life Nissan’s new EV36Zero plan, helping to combine EV manufacturing, battery production, and renewable energy under one location.
- The new Nissan Leaf is a global model, and will also be produced at other production facilities across the world including the USA and Japan.
UK Nissan Leaf production begins
After the recent transformation of Nissan’s Sunderland facility into a flagship EV hub, the site is now ready for EV production, with third-generation Nissan Leafs now rolling off the production line. It follows an investment of £450 million across the site’s operations and supply chains, helping to support the production of this new model.
The milestone is a major win for the UK’s EV and wider automotive sector, with the Sunderland plant already existing as the UK’s largest car factory – existing ICE models such as the Nissan Juke and Nissan Qashqai are already produced under the same roof. This UK-based production is also a key reason why the new Leaf will qualify for the UK’s higher tier £3,750 Electric Car Grant, bringing its starting price down to £32,249.
The Sunderland is set to produce more Nissan EVs in the near future. In 2026, Leaf production at Sunderland will also be joined by production of a fully-electric iteration of Nissan’s best-selling Juke crossover.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan AMIEO, commented:
“Today is a momentous occasion as we begin production of the third generation Nissan LEAF in the UK, the electric vehicle that started it all. Smart, sleek and aerodynamic, the all-new LEAF captures the energy of a new generation as a car that redefines what’s possible and sets the stage for Nissan’s next chapter. LEAF brings to life our world first EV36Zero vision, which combines EV manufacturing, battery production and renewable energy.”
Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, added:
“Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland. The skills, expertise and team-work of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.”
