Nissan unveils new Leaf car which will be made in Sunderland

The third-generation model will have a range of up to 375 miles on a single charge and will go on sale later this year.

It is the first model to be launched under Nissan’s new blueprint for electric vehicle production.

The Leaf is powered by batteries from AESC, Britain’s newest gigafactory, which is situated next to the Sunderland plant where it will be built.

Alan Johnson, senior vice president of manufacturing and supply chain management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing, said: “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.

Nissan production director Lee Watson with the new car at the Sunderland plant. (Image: Matt Walker) “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.”

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James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, said: “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.”

The new Leaf is not the only vehicle in Nissan’s electric line-up.

The new fully electric Micra, which has been designed in London, will also go on sale later this year, with a smaller city car launching in 2026.