Nissan’s UK factory in Sunderland is preparing for the production of the next-generation Leaf, set to begin in March 2025. The factory is undergoing a £2 billion transformation to accommodate the new Leaf, as well as other models like the Juke and Qashqai. The current-generation Leaf ceased production in March, and work has already commenced on integrating a new battery installation station into the production line.
Production trials for the new Leaf will start in August and run for six months. If everything goes smoothly, the factory will be ready to produce the first Leaf models as early as March next year. The official unveiling of the car is expected towards the end of 2024.
Nissan’s commitment to producing cars in the UK is not without challenges, according to regional manufacturing boss Alan Johnson. He cited stringent cost-saving efforts and efficiency improvements as crucial factors in the factory’s ongoing viability. Johnson also highlighted the difficulties of competing with other countries due to issues like optimizing supply chains and high energy costs in the UK.
To combat these challenges, Nissan is increasing its efforts to source renewable energy locally. Currently, 20% of the factory’s energy usage comes from on-site wind and solar farms. The company aims to eventually reach 100% renewable energy usage, although no specific timeframe has been given.
Johnson emphasized the importance of the assets that Nissan has in Sunderland, including the facilities and the skilled workforce. While the government did not contribute to the recent funding package for the plant, Nissan has received some financial support from Westminster, which has helped move these projects forward.
The transformation of the Sunderland site, known as EV36Zero, includes the construction of a second battery factory next door to supply batteries for the next Leaf. There are also plans for a third gigafactory nearby, which will be run by Nissan’s Chinese partner, Envision. Within the factory itself, changes are being made to convert the former Leaf battery assembly line for the production of the electric Juke. These changes include replacing the carriers that transport vehicles across the line to support the extra weight of EVs.
Training the factory’s staff for EV production is another crucial aspect of the investment package. Employees are being upskilled in various roles and will be gradually integrated into the new EV production lines. The workforce is also expected to expand significantly to accommodate the increased production of EVs, potentially doubling the plant’s annual output.
Nissan currently has around 7,000 employees in the UK and supports approximately 30,000 jobs in the wider UK supply chain. Plant boss Adam Pennick expressed excitement about the future of Nissan in Sunderland, highlighting the exciting times ahead.
