Nissan marks ‘momentous’ milestone as the new LEAF EV enters production in the UK

Nissan’s iconic electric hatch that started it all is back and better than ever. The new and improved LEAF is now rolling off the production line at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, a “momentous” milestone for the company and UK economy.

Nissan begins new LEAF production in the UK

For its third generation, the LEAF has dropped the hatchback design, trading it for a more crossover-like SUV look.

Since 2013, Nissan has built over 282,000 LEAFs in Sunderland. On Tuesday, the first new model rolled off the production line in what Nissan is calling “a momentous occasion.”

The first model off the line was a two-tone Luminous teal LEAF Evolve with a 75 kWh battery, which delivers up to 386 miles WLTP driving range.

Nissan’s new LEAF is on sale in the UK in four trims: Engage, Engage +, Advance, and Evolve. Initially, all versions will be equipped with the larger 75 kWh battery. Nissan said a cheaper version will go on sale shortly, powered by a 52 kWh battery, good for a driving range of up to 271 miles.

Including the UK Electric Car Grant, the 2026 Nissan LEAF starts at £32,249 ($42,200). With 150 kW DC fast charging, it can add 273 miles in just 30 minutes.

The interior is also redesigned with dual 14.3″ driver and infotainment screens with Google built in and added advanced driving assistance tech.

Nissan invested £450 million ($600 million) across its operations to bring the new and improved LEAF back to Sunderland. The investment will support 6,000 jobs while creating thousands more in the supply chain.

Next year, Nissan will begin production of the Juke EV as part of its EV36Zero blueprint, designed to transform its Sunderland plant into a flagship EV hub.

In a press release, the UK government said Nissan LEAF production kicking off in Sunderland is “a huge boost to the UK economy and auto industry.” It’s the first high-volume EV to be built in the UK since 2020.

For those in the US, Nissan claims the 2026 LEAF has the “lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale,” starting at just $29,990. It’s available in three trims: S+, SV+, and Platinum+, offering up to 303 miles of range. That’s a 25% improvement from the previous LEAF.

Interested in checking it out for yourself? You can use our link to find available 2026 Nissan LEAF models near you.