Nissan is set to begin building updated LEAF models at its Sunderland, UK plant later this year, marking a significant step in the company’s EV production efforts. This development is supported by a new supply agreement with JATCO, the Japanese auto transmission giant, which will manufacture EV powertrains at a nearby facility.
The new JATCO manufacturing plant in Sunderland, which opened on Thursday, represents a £48.7 million investment, part of the UK government’s push to create a competitive EV supply chain. The 138,840 square-foot plant is expected to create up to 183 new jobs and produce up to 340,000 EV powertrains annually, which will supply powertrains for the updated LEAF as well as other future Nissan EV models. The new JATCO UK division is integral to the upcoming Nissan electric vehicle lineup.
Nissan’s broader investment in Sunderland, totaling up to £3 billion, is focused on preparing its plant for next-gen EVs like the LEAF, Qashqai, and Juke. As part of this, the company is developing the “EV36Zero” hub in Sunderland, which will include three new gigafactories dedicated to the production of electric vehicles and batteries.
The new LEAF models, expected to enter production as soon as March 2025, are part of Nissan’s plan to expand its EV offerings. Sources have reported that the updated LEAF will sport a more crossover-coupe design, resembling a smaller version of the Nissan Ariya SUV.
Spy photos have shown a sportier, streamlined silhouette, hinting at the significant design shift for the iconic electric hatchback. The electric Juke and Qashqai models will follow around 2027, rounding out Nissan’s growing electric vehicle portfolio.