Major Boost for UK-Made Electric Car
In a significant development for the British automotive industry, the new Nissan Leaf manufactured in Sunderland has been approved for the Government's Electric Car Grant. This decision means buyers can now benefit from a substantial £3,750 discount on the pioneering electric vehicle (EV).
The inclusion of the Leaf brings the total number of models eligible for the grant to 40, placing it alongside electric offerings from major rivals such as Ford, Vauxhall, and Citroën. Production of this third-generation model is scheduled to begin at the North East plant next month.
Enhanced Technology and Impressive Range
Nissan is aiming to replicate the monumental success of previous Leaf models with this latest iteration. The new version comes with a sleek aerodynamic design, cutting-edge technology, and a critically extended driving range.
The flagship model boasts an impressive range of up to 386 miles on a single charge, addressing one of the most common concerns for potential EV owners. For those with different needs, a second version featuring a 52kWh battery will also be available, offering a still-substantial range of up to 271 miles. Customers can choose from four different trim levels, with the first deliveries expected to reach them from February.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan GB, expressed his delight, stating: "We're absolutely delighted to confirm LEAF's pricing at £32,249 including the electric car grant. This delivers an accessible route to EV ownership for our customers, backed by Nissan's 15 years of EV expertise and the reassurance of a car built right here in the UK."
A Lifeline for Sunderland and the UK Economy
This announcement provides a welcome respite for the 6,000-strong workforce at the Sunderland plant. The decision to build the new Leaf locally comes at a challenging time for the manufacturer, which is navigating significant global financial headwinds.
Nissan is currently implementing its global 'Re:Nissan' restructuring plan, a strategy aiming to slash over £2 billion in costs and cut 20,000 jobs worldwide. The company has forecast a global operating loss exceeding £1.3 billion this year, citing supply chain risks, foreign exchange volatility, and tariffs as major contributing factors.
Jeremie Papin, Nissan's Chief Financial Officer, commented on the company's focus: "Our priority remains disciplined execution, strong cash flow management, and safeguarding profitability as we navigate these headwinds." The continued production of the Leaf in Sunderland is a key part of this stability plan for the UK operation.
Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, welcomed the news, highlighting its dual benefit: "It is great to see Nissan join our drive to make going electric cheaper and more accessible for families. This news is also a big boost for manufacturing in the North East, supporting thousands of jobs in the region."
Since its debut in 2010, the Nissan Leaf has solidified its place in automotive history, becoming the world's first mass-market electric car and achieving global sales of close to 700,000 units. This new chapter, supported by the government grant, aims to continue that legacy of accessible electric mobility.
