The world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle’s latest version was quietly assembled today, securing nearly 40,000 jobs in the UK. The third iteration of the Nissan LEAF is being produced at a rapid pace of one car per minute at its Sunderland facility in Tyne and Wear, thanks to a significant £450 million investment. This move is expected to bolster job security for workers and potentially create up to 2,000 new positions in addition to the existing 7,000 roles at Nissan UK and the 30,000 in its supply chain.
During a tour of the Sunderland production line, Jamie Williams, a senior supervisor, emphasized the importance of the new model to the local community and the broader workforce. Many employees, like Guy Reid, a production engineering director, expressed pride in their work and acknowledged the nationwide impact of the new vehicle.
The advanced technology incorporated in the £32,000 LEAF provides an impressive range of up to 386 miles for the 75 kWh battery and 271 miles for the 52 kWh battery, with a quick 30-minute charging time for the 273-mile range. Max Messina, Nissan’s Chair in Europe, hailed the occasion as a significant milestone, highlighting the LEAF’s role in promoting electric driving and reducing emissions.
The production of the ‘EV36Zero’ model involves cutting-edge techniques such as virtual reality, digital mapping, high-tech robots, and automated facilities. The UK government’s Electric Vehicle Cluster Fund aims to support the transition to electric vehicle part production, with local initiatives like funding for EV charging points and expanding the electric bus fleet receiving positive feedback from regional leaders.
Nissan’s vice president for manufacturing, Adam Pennick, praised the workforce’s contributions over the years, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in maintaining the plant’s operations and producing nearly 12 million vehicles since 1986.