Nissan Starts New Electric LEAF Production UK

Nissan has officially begun production of its third-generation electric Nissan LEAF at its Sunderland manufacturing facility in northeast England, marking a defining moment for both the company and the wider UK electric vehicle (EV) industry. The move reinforces the country’s commitment to clean mobility and strengthens Sunderland’s position as one of Europe’s most important EV manufacturing hubs.

As governments push for decarbonisation and consumers increasingly turn toward electric cars, Nissan’s latest investment sends a clear signal: electric vehicle manufacturing in the UK still has strong momentum.

A New Era for Nissan and UK EV Manufacturing

The Sunderland plant, Nissan’s flagship European manufacturing site, is the largest car factory in Britain, employing around 6,000 workers and supporting tens of thousands more across the automotive supply chain. With the start of production of the new LEAF, the factory enters a new chapter focused firmly on electric and low-emission vehicles.

Originally launched in 2010, the Nissan LEAF became the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle and played a crucial role in normalising EV ownership. The third-generation model builds on that legacy, combining modern design, extended driving range, and cutting-edge digital technology to compete in an increasingly crowded EV market.

Nissan has invested more than £450 million to retool the Sunderland facility for advanced EV production, including over £300 million directly into UK operations. This investment covers upgraded production lines, enhanced battery integration processes, and digital manufacturing systems that align with Nissan’s global electrification roadmap.

This decision reflects long-term confidence in UK automotive manufacturing, despite recent challenges facing the European car industry, including rising costs, global competition, and the shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles.

Sunderland: The Beating Heart of Britain’s EV Industry

Sunderland’s importance goes far beyond a single model. The site has the theoretical capacity to produce up to 600,000 vehicles per year, making it one of the most strategically important automotive facilities in Europe.

While output dipped in recent years due to supply-chain disruptions and weaker demand across Europe, the launch of the new LEAF is seen as a stabilising and growth-driven moment for the factory.

Industry leaders and policymakers have described the production start as a “huge vote of confidence” in the North East economy. The move helps safeguard skilled manufacturing jobs and reinforces the region’s reputation as a centre for advanced automotive engineering and EV innovation.

Electric Nissan LEAF 2026: Specs, Range, and Technology

The third-generation Nissan LEAF has been significantly re-engineered to meet modern EV expectations and growing competition from both European and Chinese manufacturers.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Driving Range:
   Up to 386 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, placing it among the most efficient electric cars in its segment.
• Battery Capacity:
   A 75 kWh lithium-ion battery, designed for longer journeys and reduced range anxiety.
• Charging Capability:
   Supports fast charging up to 150 kW, enabling rapid top-ups on long trips and improved convenience for urban drivers.
• Estimated Price:
   Starting from around £32,249, making it competitive in the mid-range EV market.
• Government Incentives:
   Qualifies for the full £3,750 UK Electric Car Grant, improving affordability for consumers switching from petrol or diesel vehicles.
  
  

Smart Tech, Connectivity, and Driver Assistance

Beyond range and performance, Nissan has focused heavily on digital experience and safety technology.

The new LEAF features:

• Google-built infotainment system with integrated navigation, voice commands, and real-time traffic updates
• Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance
• Over-the-air (OTA) software updates to improve vehicle features throughout ownership
  
  

These upgrades ensure the LEAF remains competitive against newer EV rivals while appealing to tech-savvy buyers seeking connected, intelligent vehicles.

Why This Matters: Economic Impact and EV Manufacturing Growth

Nissan’s Sunderland investment goes far beyond a single product launch. It plays a critical role in shaping the future of EV manufacturing in the UK.

✅ Boosting Jobs and the Supply Chain

The production of the new LEAF supports:

• Thousands of direct manufacturing jobs
• A wider network of UK-based suppliers, logistics firms, and component manufacturers
• Skills development in EV assembly, battery technology, and digital manufacturing
  
  

This ripple effect strengthens regional economies and helps future-proof jobs as the industry transitions away from internal combustion engines.

✅ Strengthening the UK’s Position in the Global EV Market

The LEAF is the first high-volume mass-market EV produced in the UK since 2020, reinforcing Britain’s ability to compete globally in electric car production.

At a time when countries are racing to secure EV investment, Nissan’s commitment positions the UK as:

• A viable alternative to EU manufacturing hubs
• A strategic base for exporting electric vehicles across Europe
• A key player in the global shift toward zero-emission transport
  
  

✅ Supporting the EV36Zero Vision

The Sunderland plant sits at the centre of Nissan’s EV36Zero initiative, a long-term strategy that integrates:

• Electric vehicle production
• Battery manufacturing through nearby gigafactories
• Renewable energy generation
  
  

This ecosystem approach reduces emissions across the vehicle lifecycle and supports the UK’s net-zero climate targets.

Sustainability and the Green Transition

The new LEAF is not just about performance and profit — it represents a broader environmental transition.

Nissan has aligned Sunderland’s operations with sustainability goals, including:

• Increased use of renewable energy at the plant
• Reduced manufacturing waste
• Lower carbon emissions across production processes
  
  

As governments move closer to banning new petrol and diesel cars later this decade, such initiatives place Nissan in a strong position to adapt to future regulations and consumer expectations.

Future Outlook: What Comes After the LEAF?

The launch of the third-generation LEAF may be just the beginning.

Nissan has previously indicated that Sunderland could play a central role in producing:

• New electric crossovers
• Fully electric versions of popular models like the Qashqai and Juke
• Vehicles for strategic global partners
  
  

Final investment decisions are still pending, but the success of the new LEAF will be a key factor in shaping Sunderland’s long-term future.

What This Means for UK Drivers

For consumers, the new LEAF arrives at a time when:

• Fuel prices remain volatile
• EV charging infrastructure is expanding
• Government incentives continue to encourage EV adoption
  
  

With improved range, competitive pricing, and trusted reliability, the LEAF remains one of the most accessible entry points into electric vehicle ownership.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for UK Electric Vehicles

The start of production of Nissan’s third-generation LEAF at Sunderland represents far more than a routine factory milestone. It signals:

• Confidence in UK EV manufacturing
• Commitment to sustainable mobility
• Continued innovation from one of the world’s most experienced EV pioneers
  
  

As the automotive industry undergoes its biggest transformation in over a century, Sunderland — and the new Nissan LEAF — stand at the forefront of that change.