Nissan confirms UK-built Qashqai, Juke and LEAF on the way

27 November 2023

Nissan has announced that it is to build electric versions of the new Qashqai and JUKE crossover models in the UK, as well as the next-generation Nissan LEAF.

This will be supported by an investment of up to £3bn in the expansion of manufacturing at what Nissan refers to as its ‘EV36Zero hub’ in Sunderland, a ‘world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem’, including an additional, third battery gigafactory.

The three future models will be inspired by all-electric concept models, two of which were recently unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. The Nissan Hyper Urban Concept, a crossover EV, will be the vision for the electric replacement of the Qashqai. The JUKE EV will be based on the Nissan Hyper Punk Concept, an all-electric compact crossover. And the next LEAF has already been previewed by the Nissan Chill-Out Concept, unveiled in 2021.

Today's announcement follows Nissan's confirmation that all its new cars in Europe from now will be fully electric, and that it expects its passenger car line-up in Europe to be 100% electric by 2030 – five years ahead of the UK Government’s ban on the sale of new ICE cars, recently delayed from 2030 to 2035.

Vehicle and battery manufacturing at Sunderland, Britain's biggest car factory, will be powered by the EV36Zero Microgrid, which will incorporate the wind and solar farms at Nissan and will have the capability to deliver 100% renewable electricity to Nissan and its neighbouring suppliers.

Today's announcement comes as a new Investment Zone (IZ) was confirmed for North East England. The North East Investment Zone will focus on Advanced Manufacturing and Green Industries, building on the Arc of Innovation running from Northumberland down to Sunderland and Durham with opportunities along the Tyne Corridor and benefits felt across the wider region.

The UK Government has also awarded £15m of funding for a £30m collaborative project led by Nissan. It will strengthen the technical expertise and R&D zero emission vehicle capability of the Nissan Technical Centre (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, increasing opportunities for securing additional UK R&D investment in future vehicle models.

Government comments about Nissan’s announcement included a reference to a “forthcoming Advanced Manufacturing Plan”; we look forward to seeing this published.

EV36Zero is a key part of Nissan Ambition 2030, the company's long-term vision to become a truly sustainable company. Nissan says that it will deliver “exciting, electrified vehicles” and technological innovations while expanding and transforming its operations globally. The vision supports Nissan's goal to be carbon neutral across the lifecycle of its products by fiscal year 2050.