The new version of Nissan's trailblazing Leaf qualifies for the Government’s Electric Car Grant scheme, offering drivers the full £3,750 discount.
The decision means the North East-built model joins 39 other models from major brands such as Ford, Vauxhall and Citroën. Workers at the Sunderland plant are preparing to produce the Leaf from next month.
With an extended range and new technology features, Nissan hopes the third generation Leaf will repeat the success of its predecessors - including the first iteration which became the world's first mass market electric car. Customers will begin to take receipt of the new Leaf from February.
James Taylor, Nissan GB managing director, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to be able to confirm Leaf’s pricing at £32,249 including the electric car grant, which will deliver an accessible route to EV ownership for our customers. This is fantastic news for people looking to switch to fully electric motoring as they now have the reassurance that comes from a car with up to 386-miles of range, all the tech they could want and the real-world benefits that come from Nissan’s 15 years of EV expertise. Best of all, it’s proudly built right here in the Ƶ!”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Nissan helped pioneer early EV ownership through the original Leaf, so it is great to see them join our drive to make going electric cheaper and more accessible for families.
"Alongside saving drivers thousands this news is also a big boost for manufacturing in the North East - supporting thousands of jobs in the region whilst backing the industry to grow and deliver our Plan for Change.”
Since its debut in 2010, the Leaf has sold close to 700,000 units worldwide. The new Leaf boasts a range of up to 386 miles and comes in four trim levels. A second version with a 52kWh battery will also be available, with a range of up to 271 miles.
The decision to build the model at Sunderland has offered some relief for the 6,000-strong workforce there, amid a challenging time for the manufacturer which has faced huge financial challenges. In response, the global firm's Re:Nissan restructuring plan aims to slash more than £2bn of costs with the slashing of 20,000 jobs globally.
In a recent update, Nissan said it expects to report a global operating loss of more than £1.3bn (¥275bn) this year amid continued headwinds including the impact of tariffs. Bosses pointed to supply chain risks, foreign exchange volatility, tariffs and other external factors" as it gave full-year guidance.
As part of the update, Nissan's chief financial officer Jeremie Papin said: "Our priority remains disciplined execution, strong cash flow management, and safeguarding profitability as we navigate these headwinds. We are committed to maintaining transparency and delivering on the objectives of Re:Nissan."
