The next chapter of Nissan’s electric journey is officially underway. The third-generation Nissan LEAF is now rolling off the production line at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant, marking a major milestone for UK manufacturing and the company’s world-first EV36Zero vision.
Building the new LEAF in the UK represents a £450 million investment across Nissan’s operations and supply chain. It also signals the return of the car that helped pioneer mass-market electric vehicles more than a decade ago, now reimagined for a new generation.
Bringing EV36Zero to life
To launch its most advanced electric vehicle yet, Nissan has transformed Sunderland Plant, enabling EV manufacturing on Line Two for the first time. The site now combines vehicle production, next-generation battery technology and renewable energy, the core pillars of EV36Zero.
The transformation includes factory-of-the-future technologies, hundreds of new robots and automated guided vehicles, advanced laser welding for ultra-precise body construction, new paint colours, and a fully automated battery “marriage” facility. More than 360,000 hours of training have also been delivered to the 6,000-strong workforce to support the new model.
Powered by a new UK gigafactory
Just across the road, a brand-new AESC gigafactory will supply next-generation batteries for the new LEAF. With increased energy density, the batteries deliver improved range and performance while strengthening a resilient, globally competitive EV supply chain in the UK.
A smarter, longer-range LEAF
The first car off the line was a Luminous Teal LEAF Evolve, equipped with a 75kWh battery offering up to 386 miles of range (WLTP). With 150kW DC fast charging, drivers can add up to 273 miles in just 30 minutes.
Inside, the all-new LEAF delivers a fully connected experience with Google built-in, advanced driver assistance technologies and a digital cockpit formed by twin 14.3-inch screens. NissanConnect Services enables remote battery checks, climate control and journey planning, keeping drivers connected wherever they are.
The all new, British Built, Nissan Leaf
Built in Sunderland, designed for the world
LEAF has been built in Sunderland since 2013, with more than 280,000 vehicles produced to date. Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield played a key role in shaping the design, technology and driving character of the new model, with innovations shared across global markets.
With the all-electric JUKE set to follow next year, Sunderland is firmly established as a hub for Nissan’s electrified future supporting thousands of skilled jobs and reinforcing the UK’s position at the heart of the global EV transition.
When will the new Nissan Leaf be available?
You can now order your new Nissan Leaf with Lease Electric, with deliveries set to begin in February 2026. The new LEAF is among the first models to qualify for the £3750 Electric Car Grant, immediately making it one of the most affordable long-range electric cars available in the UK.