Nissan Announces New EVs, Manufacturing Hub, And Gigafactories

In a significant move towards a zero-emissions future, Nissan has unveiled plans to manufacture three new electric vehicles (EVs) at its UK plant in Sunderland. The expansion is part of the EV36Zero initiative, which aims to establish a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles, incorporating three gigafactories and an investment of up to £3 billion. The development is expected to benefit Nissan's 7,000 employees in the UK and support around 30,000 jobs in the local supply chain.

The three new models set for production include all-electric versions of Nissan's flagship Qashqai and Juke crossovers, as well as the next-generation Nissan Leaf. This commitment to electric vehicles aligns with Nissan's broader strategy, with the company confirming that all its new cars in Europe will be fully electric, and it aims to have a 100 per cent electric passenger car line-up in Europe by 2030.

Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida said, “Exciting, electric vehicles 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 Microgrid will power both vehicle and battery manufacturing, utilizing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar farms at Nissan. This sustainable approach is a crucial element of Nissan's broader sustainability vision, with plans to deliver 100 per cent renewable electricity to the manufacturing facility and its neighbouring suppliers.

The three upcoming electric models are inspired by concepts, including the Nissan Hyper Urban Concept, characterised by a sleek and modern aesthetic; the Nissan Hyper Punk Concept, an all-electric compact crossover with unique exterior design features; and the Nissan Chill-Out Concept, which was unveiled in 2021 and serves as inspiration for a future EV to be built in Sunderland.

The investment in the UK operations includes a substantial sum of up to £1.12 billion for research and development, manufacturing process improvements, skills training, and tooling for suppliers. This builds upon the initial £423 million investment announced for the first phase of the EV36Zero initiative.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 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 electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing.”

Nissan's ambitious plans coincide with a broader context of increased global focus on sustainable practices and the transition to electric mobility. As part of Nissan's long-term vision, known as Nissan Ambition 2030, the company aims to be carbon neutral across the lifecycle of its products by fiscal year 2050.

The announcement also comes alongside the confirmation of a new Investment Zone for North East England, focusing on Advanced Manufacturing and Green Industries. This strategic move aims to further bolster the region's capabilities in automotive and advanced manufacturing, creating high-quality jobs and positioning it as a global player in the electrification landscape.