Nissan has commenced full-scale production of the new Leaf electric SUV at its Sunderland plant, positioning the model as a key player in the UK EV market. The vehicle, priced from £32,249, offers a competitive range of up to 386 miles and qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG) due to its UK-based manufacturing. First deliveries are expected in early 2026.
UK Production & Government Support
The decision to build the Leaf in Sunderland is strategic, allowing Nissan to take full advantage of the government’s ECG scheme. This incentive significantly lowers the price, making the Leaf attractive compared to rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Skoda Elroq, which offer shorter ranges at similar price points. Nissan has invested over £450 million into the Sunderland facility, ensuring 6,000 jobs are maintained.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the importance of this investment, stating that Sunderland remains “the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry,” with Nissan demonstrating a strong commitment to the North East and the broader UK economy.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Currently, the Leaf is available in four trim levels: Engage, Engage+, Advance, and Evolve.
- Engage: The base model, starting at £32,249 after the ECG, includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), an energy-saving heat pump, and adaptive cruise control.
- Engage+: Priced from £33,149 post-ECG, this version upgrades to larger 14.3-inch displays with Google services, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging.
- Advance: From £34,249 after the grant, the Advance trim adds a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, powered tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, and privacy glass.
- Evolve: The top-tier model, priced at £36,249 post-ECG, features 19-inch wheels, a nine-speaker Bose sound system, Vehicle-to-Load charging, massaging front seats, and full synthetic leather upholstery.
Performance and Charging
The Leaf is offered with two battery options. The long-range 75kWh version delivers up to 386 miles of range (269 miles on motorways) and accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds with its 214bhp motor. Charging from 20-80% takes under 30 minutes. A smaller 52kWh battery provides around 270 miles of range (140 miles on motorways) with a slightly less powerful 174bhp motor, reaching 62mph in 8.6 seconds. This version charges from 20-80% in approximately half an hour.
Nissan targeted the Kia EV3 and Volkswagen ID.3 during development, aiming to provide a competitive range and performance combination. The Leaf’s aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.25, contributes to its efficiency.
Design and Interior
The new Leaf features a sleek, modern design with a sloping roofline and aerodynamic enhancements. Nissan designers emphasized “muscularity, wheel orientation, agility…but also chic, urban, sleek, and sexiness” in the new model’s form. The interior includes a dual 14.3-inch display in higher trims, running Google-based navigation and intelligent voice control. Rear seating is spacious, and the 437-liter boot is larger than the previous Leaf model.
The Leaf’s design also nods to Nissan’s heritage, incorporating design elements from the 1990s such as three-dimensional rear lights.
The Nissan Leaf’s launch in the UK marks a significant step forward for domestic EV production, offering a competitive product with strong government backing. The combination of range, price, and local manufacturing positions the Leaf as a strong contender in the growing electric SUV segment.
