Nissan has officially started production of the new Nissan Leaf at its Sunderland plant, marking a major milestone for both the brand and the UK’s electric vehicle manufacturing sector.
Sunderland has been one of the UK’s most important car-making sites for decades — and new EV production matters because it supports jobs, strengthens local supply chains, and helps keep the UK in the global EV conversation.
Why Sunderland production matters
Building EVs in the UK can improve availability, support local employment and reduce exposure to wider shipping and supply chain disruption. It also sends a clear signal that manufacturers still see long-term value in UK production.
- Jobs: Supports employment directly at the plant and across the supplier base.
- Supply chains: Encourages more UK-linked parts and logistics activity.
- Confidence: Reinforces the UK’s role as EV adoption accelerates.
What’s expected from the new Leaf?
Nissan’s newest Leaf is expected to move the model on significantly from earlier generations. While final UK specs will vary by trim and battery option, the focus is likely to be:
- Improved efficiency and stronger real-world range
- Faster rapid charging for easier motorway travel
- Updated interior tech and safety/driver assistance features
As with any early production story: exact pricing, battery sizes, charge curves and UK delivery timelines will become clearer as Nissan finalises the UK line-up.
What this means for UK EV buyers
A UK-built mainstream EV should help keep competition healthy in the family EV segment. More choice is good for buyers — and it can also influence used prices as newer models arrive and older stock filters into the second-hand market.
The Leaf is also an important reminder of a key issue in used EV buying: battery condition. As earlier Leafs move further into the used market, State of Health (SoH) becomes the difference between a great value EV and one that feels short on range.
Key takeaways
- Nissan has started building the new Leaf in Sunderland.
- It’s an important boost for UK EV manufacturing and supply chains.
- For buyers, it’s more choice in a competitive segment — with a growing focus on battery health, especially used.
