Nissan has officially commenced production of the third-generation LEAF at its Sunderland factory, supported by a £450 million investment. The LEAF marks the beginning of Nissan’s EV36Zero vision, a world-first blueprint for the future of EV manufacturing. The Sunderland facility has been fully transformed to enable electric vehicle production, with battery packs for the LEAF being manufactured at the brand-new gigafactory located adjacent to the plant.
As the third-generation Nissan LEAF quietly glides off the newly transformed assembly lines in Sunderland, the company brings its pioneering EV36Zero plan to life. The production of the new LEAF in the UK represents a £450 million investment across Nissan’s operations and supply chain, symbolizing the return of the model that pioneered mass EV production over a decade ago.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania (AMIEO), stated: “Today is a historic day as we begin production of the third-generation Nissan LEAF in the UK—the electric vehicle that started it all. With its smart, stylish, and aerodynamic design, the all-new LEAF reflects the energy of a new generation and sets the stage for Nissan’s next era as a car that redefines the boundaries of what is possible. The LEAF brings our EV36Zero vision to life, integrating EV production, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy in a world-first ecosystem.”
Nissan has transformed the Sunderland Plant to launch its most advanced model to date, enabling electric vehicle production on Production Line Two for the first time. Key milestones in the facility’s transformation include:
Intelligent Robotics: 78 new high-tech robots were installed in the Body Shop, including a fully automated laser welding system with 0.3 mm precision.
Battery Marriage Technology: A state-of-the-art battery assembly facility secures the battery to the chassis with 26 bolts in just 56 seconds.
Autonomous Logistics: 475 new Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) deliver parts directly to the production line.
Digital Integration: The plant utilizes big data, virtual reality, and digital mapping to optimize the assembly process.
The first new LEAF off the line was a two-tone Luminous Teal Evolve grade. Equipped with a 75 kW battery, the new model offers a range of up to 622 km (WLTP). With 150 kW DC fast charging support, the LEAF can add up to 420 km of range in just 30 minutes.
The interior features a fully digital cockpit with dual 14.3-inch screens and Google built-in. Through the NissanConnect Services app, users can remotely check battery status, prepare the climate control, and plan trips, ensuring the LEAF is as connected outside as it is inside.
The Sunderland team will follow the LEAF by starting production of the all-electric Nissan JUKE next year. Nissan currently employs 6,000 people in Sunderland and 7,000 across the UK, supporting an additional 30,000 jobs in the wider supply chain.
Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, remarked: “Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK automotive industry. Nissan’s investment is a major commitment to the North East and a powerful vote of confidence in our economy. Under our modern Industrial Strategy, we are delivering £4 billion into our world-leading auto sector—the biggest investment since the post-war era.”
The transformation is further bolstered by the new AESC gigafactory located directly opposite the plant. AESC supplies next-generation battery technology with higher energy density for the new LEAF, ensuring superior range and performance.
