Nissan has pulled the wraps off the highly anticipated third generation of its pioneering Leaf electric vehicle (EV). This all-new model is confirmed to be built right here in the UK, marking a significant moment for the British automotive industry and Nissan’s local operations.
Production of the latest Leaf will take place at Nissan’s sprawling Sunderland plant, the UK’s largest car manufacturing facility. A dedicated team of 6,000 skilled employees will bring the advanced EV to life on Wearside, proudly carrying the banner of “Built in Britain.”
The new Leaf is the first vehicle to be launched under Nissan’s ambitious EV36Zero blueprint, a visionary project focused on sustainable electric vehicle production. This initiative aims to transform the Sunderland site into a flagship EV hub by integrating electric vehicle manufacturing with renewable energy sources and on-site battery production.
Performance & Technology Highlights
Designed and fine-tuned specifically for European drivers at Nissan’s UK research and development centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, the new Leaf boasts impressive capabilities:
Extended Range: Drivers can expect a potential range of up to an impressive 375 miles (604km) on a single charge, available with the optional 75kWh battery.
Fast Charging: Enhanced fast-charging supports up to 150kW DC, capable of adding approximately 260 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
Local Batteries: Powering the vehicle will be batteries supplied by AESC UK, operating Britain’s newest gigafactory located immediately adjacent to the Sunderland plant. This proximity highlights a strong, localised supply chain. Earlier this year, a substantial £1 billion investment was secured for a second AESC UK battery plant, further solidifying the region’s role in EV component manufacturing.
Advanced Connectivity: The cabin features twin 14.3-inch screens and fully integrates Google built-in services, providing seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.
Driver Assistance: Equipped with advanced systems like ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link and the intuitive e-Pedal Step for simplified driving.
Future-Ready Power: A notable feature is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power external devices – perfect for camping or outdoor use. The Leaf is also designed to be Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) compatible, hinting at potential future energy cost savings by interacting with the power grid.
A Testament to UK Skill
Alan Johnson, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing, expressed immense pride in the unveiling. “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,” he stated. Johnson added, “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.”
James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, echoed the sentiment, celebrating the Leaf as a “pioneering electric vehicle that has encouraged thousands to make the switch to electric motoring.” He proudly emphasised that the new model is “built here in Britain.”
Expanding Nissan’s UK EV Portfolio
The new Leaf builds on the legacy of its predecessors, which have been chosen by over 70,000 UK customers. Its production at Sunderland reinforces the plant’s crucial role, which also currently manufactures the popular Juke and Qashqai models. Looking ahead, the site is preparing to produce the next-generation Qashqai e-POWER in the coming months, followed by an all-new fully electric Juke next year.
Beyond Sunderland, Nissan’s commitment to the UK is clear. The company employs approximately 7,000 people across its London design centre (where a new electric Micra, also launching later this year, was designed), the Cranfield R&D centre, and the Sunderland plant. Nissan also plans to introduce a smaller electric city car in 2026, demonstrating a strategy to offer a comprehensive range of EVs catering to diverse customer needs.
Customers can expect to place orders for the all-new Nissan Leaf in Autumn this year, with the first deliveries anticipated in Spring of the following year. Pricing details are yet to be announced.
The return of the UK’s most-built electric car signifies not just a new model launch, but a bold step forward in Nissan’s electrification strategy and the continued growth of electric vehicle manufacturing in Britain under the ambitious EV36Zero initiative.
