(Source-carandbike)
Japanese automotive giant Nissan, a pioneer in the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) since the launch of the Leaf over a decade ago, has recently unveiled ambitious plans for the future. The company is set to introduce a next-generation Leaf, along with two new electric models as part of a substantial multi-billion-pound investment in the United Kingdom.
Production center for the new electric models
The two upcoming fully electric offerings are expected to include a mid-sized electric SUV, an all-electric Nissan Qashqai, and a slightly smaller model, the electric Nissan Juke. Nissan is committing a massive £3 billion ($A5.7 billion) investment to establish three new factories at its EV36Zero hub in Sunderland. This hub will serve as the production center for the new electric models, batteries, and the necessary infrastructure.
This investment represents one of the most significant electric vehicle initiatives in the country to date. The Sunderland hub, where the production will take place, is powered by a renewable micro-grid, featuring locally produced wind and solar energy, including a newly installed 20MW solar plant. The Qashqai SUV, a best-seller in the UK in 2022 and accounting for one in every five cars manufactured in the country, and the smaller Juke, with over a million cars on the road, will both undergo electrification as part of this groundbreaking investment.
All three electric initiatives will be based on concept models, two of which were recently showcased at the Japan Mobility Show. These include the Hyper Urban Concept, a crossover EV forming the foundation of the electric Qashqai, the Hyper Punk Concept, shaping the Juke, a compact crossover, and the Chill-Out Concept, initially revealed in 2021, serving as the basis for the updated Leaf.
All new cars in Europe will be fully electric
While details such as names, specifications, and launch dates for the three models are yet to be disclosed, Nissan’s strategic move into the electric realm is undeniable. The company’s announcement aligns with its commitment that all new cars in Europe will be fully electric, and it anticipates achieving a 100% electric passenger car lineup in Europe by 2030.
“Exciting, electric vehicles are at the heart of our plans to achieve carbon neutrality,” remarked Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida. “With electric versions of our core European models on the way, we are accelerating towards a new era for Nissan, for the industry, and for our customers.”
This bold step by Nissan not only positions the company at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution but also contributes significantly to the UK’s efforts to transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation sector. The multi-billion-pound investment signals not just a commitment to innovation but a dedication to driving positive change in the automotive industry’s landscape. As the world increasingly turns toward electric mobility, Nissan’s strategic vision and substantial investment pave the way for a future where sustainable transportation takes center stage. The unveiling of the next-generation Leaf and the two new electric models signifies a transformative chapter for Nissan, shaping a future where electrification becomes synonymous with innovation and progress.
