Nissan is accelerating its vision for a zero-emissions future, with confirmation that all three models made at its UK plant will go 100% electric. Today’s announcement means the EV36Zero hub in Sunderland, Nissan's blueprint for future manufacturing, will consist of three electric vehicles (EVs), three gigafactories and up to £3 billion investment – great news for Nissan's 7,000 UK employees and the 30,000 jobs supported in the UK supply chain.
Not only does the transformational project include future all-electric versions of Nissan's flagship Qashqai and Juke crossovers, but Nissan is also confirming today that the third vehicle planned for UK production will be the next-generation Nissan LEAF. Both vehicle and battery manufacturing 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.
Unveiling the plans earlier today at the Sunderland plant, Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida said: “Exciting EVs are at the heart of our plans to achieve carbon neutrality. With electric versions of our core European models on the way, we are accelerating towards a new era for Nissan, for industry and for our customers. The EV36Zero project puts our Sunderland plant, Britain's biggest-ever car factory, at the heart of our future vision. It means our UK team will be designing, engineering and manufacturing the vehicles of the future, driving us towards an all-electric future for Nissan in Europe.”
Today's announcement follows Nissan’s confirmation that all of 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. It also builds on Nissan's
Ambition 2030 vision to become a truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.
Massive vote of confidenceUK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who visited the site today, said: “Nissan's investment is a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, which already contributes a massive £71 billion a year to our economy. This venture will no doubt secure Sunderland's future as the UK’s Silicon Valley for EV innovation and manufacturing.
“Making the UK the best place to do business is at the heart of our economic plan. We will continue to back businesses like Nissan to expand and grow their roots in the UK every step of the way as we make the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.”
Nissan’s latest investment includes up to £1.12 billion into its UK operations and wider supply chain for R&D and manufacturing of the two new models announced today, including facility and manufacturing process improvements, skills training, and tooling for suppliers.
This follows the £423 million investment announced by Nissan in the first phase of EV36Zero for the first future EV. EV36Zero is a key part of Nissan Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term vision to become a truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world. In this period Nissan 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.
In addition, the UK Government has awarded £15 million of funding for a £30 million 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.
Today’s announcement comes as a new Investment Zone (IZ) was also 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.