As the third-generation Nissan LEAF quietly rolls off the production line of the converted Sunderland Factory, the company is implementing its world-first EV36Zero plan. Manufacturing the new LEAF in the UK represents a £450 million investment across Nissan’s operations and supply chain and marks the return of the model that pioneered mass production of electric vehicles more than a decade ago.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairman of Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO), said: “Today is a historic day as we start production in the UK of the third-generation Nissan LEAF, the electric vehicle that started it all. With its smart, stylish and aerodynamic design, the all-new LEAF reflects the energy of a new generation, setting the stage for Nissan’s next era as a car that redefines the boundaries of what is possible. The LEAF is a world leader that brings together electric vehicle production, battery production and renewable energy.” The first, EV36Zero, brings our vision to life.”
Nissan has transformed its Sunderland Factory for the launch of its most advanced model to date, enabling electric vehicle production on Production Line Two for the first time.
The LEAF has been produced in Sunderland since 2013, with a total of 282,704 units produced at the facility to date. The first new LEAF to come off the production line with its stylish and aerodynamic design; It was in the two-tone Luminous Teal Evolve trim level with a 75 kW battery and offers a range of up to 622 km according to WLTP. The new LEAF can also add up to 420 km of range in just 30 minutes, with 150 kW DC fast charging support.
The car, which is as impressive with its interior as its exterior design, offers a fully connected mobility experience with Google integration and advanced driver support technologies. Dual 14.3-inch screens create a fully digital cockpit, while NissanConnect Services connectivity application; It enables the LEAF to stay as connected outside as it does inside by providing remote access to features such as battery status check, air conditioning preparation and trip planning.
The Sunderland Plant team will start producing the new all-electric Nissan JUKE model next year, following the LEAF. Both models will be produced on the facility’s Production Line Two. With this development, Nissan Sunderland now produces a wide range of products, from fully electric vehicles to hybrid models; Nissan-specific e-POWER technology, JUKE HEV and internal combustion engine (ICE) models in Qashqai continue to be included in the production portfolio.
Engineers at Nissan Technical Center Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, played a decisive role in shaping the design, technology and driving character of the all-new Nissan LEAF, built in Sunderland. Most of the innovations developed were transferred to models in the UK, Japan and US markets.
Nissan employs 6,000 people in Sunderland and 7,000 people across the UK, including NTCE and its Design Center in Paddington, London. The company also supports around 30,000 jobs across its wider supply chain in the UK.
Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “Nissan has invested in our state-of-the-art facility to produce the electric vehicles of the future and our team is incredibly proud and excited to be producing this excellent car in Sunderland. The skills, expertise and teamwork of our people have been the foundation of Sunderland’s success. The transformation of our facility for the new LEAF demonstrates our leadership on the electrification journey.”
New Generation Nissan LEAF EV36Zero Sunderland Factory
Automobile Magazine – English
