Nissan has officially pulled the covers off its all-new, third-generation LEAF electric car, a vehicle poised to once again redefine the landscape of electric mobility in the United Kingdom. Set to roll off the production lines at the company's colossal Sunderland plant, the new model marks a significant step forward in performance, design, and manufacturing philosophy, promising an impressive range of up to 375 miles on a single charge. This pioneering vehicle will be available for customers to order later this year, signalling a new chapter for the car that kickstarted Britain's electric vehicle revolution.
The launch represents a moment of immense pride and a testament to British manufacturing prowess. The third-generation LEAF will be built in the UK’s biggest car plant, located in Sunderland. It stands as the inaugural model to be produced under Nissan’s ambitious EV36Zero blueprint, a comprehensive strategy for the future of electric vehicle production. The North East facility's dedicated team of 6,000 people will be responsible for bringing this next-generation vehicle to life.
Alan Johnson, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing, spoke with considerable pride about the milestone. “It’s with immense pride that we unveil the third-generation of our pioneering electric LEAF, twelve years after we brought EV and battery manufacturing to the UK,” he stated. Johnson highlighted the sophisticated nature of the new car, adding, “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 roads.”
A Truly British Endeavour
The new LEAF is a product of comprehensive British design, engineering, and manufacturing. The vehicle has been meticulously engineered and fine-tuned to meet the specific needs of European customers at Nissan’s UK research and development hub, the NTCE in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. Nissan's broader UK footprint includes around 7,000 employees spread across key facilities, such as its design centre in Paddington, London, and the R&D centre in Cranfield.
A critical component of this localised production ecosystem is the battery supply. The new LEAF will be powered by state-of-the-art batteries sourced from AESC, which operates Britain’s newest gigafactory located adjacent to the Nissan plant. This proximity is a cornerstone of the EV36Zero project, ensuring a streamlined and sustainable supply chain.
The Sunderland plant itself is a titan of UK automotive manufacturing and is home to two of the nation's best-selling cars, the Juke and the Qashqai. These popular models will soon be joined by the European version of the new LEAF, which is being manufactured in Sunderland as a central part of the EV36Zero project.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan GB, emphasised the legacy and future of the LEAF. “We’re really excited about the launch of the all-new LEAF later this year,” he said. “It builds on the success of the previous two generations, which have found homes with more than 70,000 UK customers. LEAF is a pioneering electric vehicle that has encouraged thousands to make the switch to electric motoring – and best of all, it’s built here in Britain.”
EV36Zero: A Blueprint for Sustainable Manufacturing
The introduction of the all-new LEAF is more than just a new model launch; it is the first tangible result of Nissan’s visionary EV36Zero programme. This initiative represents Nissan’s holistic vision for the future of sustainable manufacturing. The blueprint is designed to transform the Sunderland Plant into a flagship EV hub, creating a virtuous cycle of production and clean energy.
The core of the EV36Zero model is the integration of three key elements: the electric vehicles themselves, the use of renewable energy to power the manufacturing process, and cutting-edge battery production. This integrated approach is a manifestation of Nissan’s overarching global goal to become a truly sustainable company. By championing projects like EV36Zero, Nissan aims to help usher in a world that is cleaner, safer, and more inclusive for all. The Sunderland plant, already the UK's biggest single car plant, is therefore not just assembling cars but is becoming a template for the future of automotive production worldwide.
An Electrified Product Offensive
While the new LEAF is the headline act, it is just the beginning of a major electrification push from Nissan. The brand is strategically expanding its electric and electrified portfolio to ensure it has a full range of vehicles suitable for all types of customers.
The product pipeline is packed with innovation. In the coming months, the plant will also begin producing the next-generation Nissan Qashqai e-POWER. This will be followed next year by the arrival of an all-new, fully electric version of the popular Juke crossover.
Nissan’s electrification journey extends even further. Later this year, the new fully-electric Micra, a vehicle thoughtfully designed in London, will also go on sale. Looking further ahead, the company has confirmed it will launch a smaller city car in 2026, solidifying its commitment to providing electric options across multiple segments.
This comprehensive strategy, spearheaded by the return of the UK's most-built electric car, solidifies Nissan's position at the forefront of the electric era. The all-new LEAF, born from British innovation and built by a world-class British team, is set to not only continue its own legacy but also power up a new, sustainable future for the entire UK automotive industry.
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