Nissan announce 2 new EVs set to go into production in the UK

Nissan is pushing ahead with its zero-emissions strategy, confirming that all three models manufactured at its UK facility will be 100 percent electric. The Japanese automobile giant announced on Friday that it will invest 1.12 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) in its British factory to produce electric versions of two new models, boosting the country's car sector.

The electric Qashqai, Britain's best-selling car last year, and a battery-powered Juke will join the electric Leaf in production in the North East, according to Nissan. The decision to electrify every model manufactured in the UK comes as Nissan plans to go all-electric in the United Kingdom and Europe by 2030.

Nissan's 7,000-strong workforce will be supplied with batteries and renewable energy from a neighbouring wind farm and solar cells by three adjacent gigafactories. The initiative is also likely to get backing from the UK government.

Britain is an important hub for the Japanese corporation. Nissan has built and will continue to make its electric Leaf model in Sunderland for many years, with batteries supplied by a small facility on the site.

The Nissan agreement comes only months after India's Tata Motors announced a £4 billion ($5 billion) investment in a UK EV battery production plant to supply Jaguar Land Rover facilities.

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. 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."

Today's announcement builds on Nissan and its partners' original £1 billion commitment to developing the EV36Zero, upgrading its Sunderland production site, and establishing a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem.

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