Nissan has officially ceased production of the LEAF electric car at its Sunderland factory, marking the end of a remarkable era that saw over 270,000 cars built over more than a decade. The decision is part of Nissan’s strategic shift towards introducing an all-new model, which is expected to hit the market in 2026.
A Nissan spokesperson stated, “After 13 years of great success, the Nissan LEAF, the world’s first mass-market 100% electric vehicle, is approaching the end of its life cycle in Europe. Depending on the market’s inventory, European customers will be able to place their orders until vehicle stocks run out. Nissan has already announced a new line-up of 100% electric vehicles for the European market to be produced in the Sunderland plant as part of our commitment to sustainability and electrification.”
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While customers can still purchase cars from existing inventory, stocks are projected to last until the end of 2024. Production of the LEAF will continue in Japan and the US, but these cars will not be sold in the UK.
The LEAF, renowned for its pioneering role in modern electric cars, offered a practical family hatchback with a usable range. Launched in the UK in 2011, the first Japanese-built versions were succeeded by an improved UK-built model in 2013. Nissan invested approximately £420 million in upgrading the Sunderland Plant to manufacture the new car.
Globally, over 650,000 LEAFs have been sold, including the 270,000 built in Sunderland since 2013. Despite its success, the LEAF faced increasing competition from newer electric rivals. However, it remains competitively priced, starting from £28,495.
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The Sunderland factory, Britain’s largest car plant, will continue producing the Juke and Qashqai models and is set to commence production of a new generation of EVs from 2026, following a £2 billion investment by the manufacturer.
Andy Palmer, former COO of Nissan and a key figure behind the original LEAF, expressed disappointment, stating, “In a market with a long-term trajectory towards mass EV adoption, it’s disappointing to see that an innovator in the space hasn’t been able to invest in a way that allows continuity of production.
