London, UK – Nissan is celebrating a defining landmark in its electrification journey: the delivery of its 100,000th electric vehicle to a customer in the UK. The historic car – an all-new, all-electric Nissan MICRA – was handed over to buyers Ron and Gillian Ainsworth at Chorley Group’s Nissan dealership in Chorley, Lancashire.
Adam Gradwell, Client Experience Specialist at Chorley Nissan, who handed the keys over to the couple, said: ‘‘We are incredibly proud to be the dealer group that delivered this very special electric vehicle. All-New MICRA has proved very popular since its arrival earlier this year. Customers love its sporty styling and fun driving dynamics, and with fuel prices rising significantly this year, the popularity of EVs has increased rapidly. MICRA is the perfect choice for anyone interested in going electric for the first time, as well as those continuing their EV journey.’’
The handover marks a significant moment for the Ainsworths, who had no idea their purchase would make automotive history. Mrs Ainsworth said: ‘‘We are delighted with our new MICRA. It’s our first electric vehicle and we love everything about it. It drives beautifully, it’s comfortable and spacious, and it looks great. We were attracted to the MICRA partly because of the positive reviews we read and we’ve not been disappointed. Many congratulations to Nissan on selling their 100,000th electric vehicle in the UK.’’
Nissan’s reputation as an EV pioneer began 15 years ago when it introduced the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the LEAF, to British motorists. Now, its journey continues with the All-New LEAF, as well as MICRA and the updated ARIYA SUV, all of which qualify for the Government’s Electric Car Grant.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB, said: ‘‘We are incredibly proud to have led the way in automotive electrification for 15 years and it’s wonderful to have notched up 100,000 EV sales in the UK. Between the new MICRA and LEAF and the just-updated ARIYA, plus our two electric LCVs, Nissan has a strong electric line-up, with every model delivering affordability, innovation and everyday practicality. We hope Mr and Mrs Ainsworth will enjoy many happy years of motoring in their new car.’’
15 Years of Innovation: Nissan’s UK EV Journey
LEAF: The foundation of Nissan’s UK electrification story began in March 2011, when the first deliveries were made of the pioneering LEAF hatchback, which delivered a real-world range of about 109 miles. A significant second-generation update arrived in early 2018, featuring more dynamic styling and advanced ProPILOT technology. The brand-new, third-generation model – also engineered and built in Britain – has already been crowned Auto Express Car of the Year for 2026 and arrives in showrooms later this summer.
ARIYA: Launched in 2022, this luxurious crossover brought Japanese-inspired design, a premium cabin, and a range of well over 300 miles to the line-up, winning Auto Express Car of the Year for 2022. For 2026, the ARIYA receives a comprehensive refresh focused on updated technology, design, and everyday usability.
MICRA: The sixth edition of the famous nameplate is reborn as a pure electric city car, launching to critical acclaim. What Car? described it as “a brilliant small electric hatchback,” awarding it a maximum five-star rating.
Commercial Vehicles: Nissan has been equally busy electrifying businesses, transitioning from the pioneering e-NV200 van in 2014 to today’s high-tech Townstar EV and its big brother, the Interstar-e – Nissan’s first-ever fully electric large van.
Looking to the Future
Nissan’s electrification strategy continues to gather pace. Alongside the highly anticipated arrival of the third-generation LEAF in showrooms, the brand’s future pipeline will expand further with the introduction of both the first-ever JUKE EV, which will be manufactured alongside the LEAF at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, as well as an ultra-compact A-segment model that’s perfect for city driving.
