All images in this article have been sourced from Nissan Press.

Key Insights

The third-generation Nissan Leaf is now on sale in the UK. Built in Sunderland, more than 280,000 Leafs have been made since 2013 as part of Nissan's (up to) £3 billion EV36Zero transformation that has already produced more than 270,000 Leafs
The 75kWh Leaf offers up to 387 miles of WLTP range and starts from £32,249 after the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, with a 52kWh version from £28,849 added to the range in July 2026
Electric vehicles, including the new Leaf, sit at 4% Benefit-in-Kind for 2026/27, compared with a maximum of 37% for petrol and diesel cars
More than 650,000 Leafs have been sold worldwide, and Nissan's battery guarantee covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first
Employees typically save 20-50% against a personal lease when they access the new Leaf through The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice scheme
Nissan's solid-state batteries remain on track for fiscal year 2028, with a vehicle-grade prototype pack confirmed in April 2026 to meet its charge and discharge performance targets

The new Nissan Leaf is available on electric car salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme, with average net monthly costs from £359 (52kWh Engage) to £420 (75kWh Evolve) for a 40% taxpayer on a £60,000 salary over 36 months and 10,000 miles a year. Built in Sunderland, it offers up to 387 miles of WLTP range on the 75kWh battery and up to 280 miles on the 52kWh battery, qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, and sits at 4% Benefit-in-Kind for 2026/27.

For employees, the timing matters as much as the technology. Electric vehicles remain at 4% Benefit-in-Kind for 2026/27, one of the lowest company car tax rates available, and the new Leaf also qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. Together, these make an electric car salary sacrifice scheme one of the most cost-effective routes into a new EV for many UK taxpayers. The Benefit-in-Kind rate for electric cars then rises to 5% in 2027/28, 7% in 2028/29 and 9% in 2029/30. Employees who access the new Leaf through The Electric Car Scheme typically save 20-50% against a personal lease, with maintenance, breakdown cover, and insurance included in a single monthly cost.

This guide covers what the new Leaf offers and how it fits into Nissan's British manufacturing story. It also looks at what reliability data tells us about the model line and what you could expect to pay through salary sacrifice.

The New Nissan Leaf Is Here

Nissan's third-generation Leaf electric car went on sale in the UK in late 2025, with the first customer deliveries beginning in February 2026. The new model has moved from a family hatchback to a fastback crossover shape.

Alan Johnson, senior vice president of manufacturing and supply chain management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing, said at the third-generation Leaf's unveiling in June 2025, reflects the skill of the Sunderland team: "It's with immense pride that we unveil the third generation of our pioneering electric Leaf, twelve years after we brought EV and battery manufacturing to the UK. It's a testament to the skill of our world-class team that we can bring into mass production a vehicle with such advanced technology and aerodynamic design."

Nissan GB confirmed pricing for the 75kWh model at £32,249 once the Electric Car Grant is applied, positioning the new Leaf as one of the more affordable routes into an electric car scheme. A smaller-battery 52kWh version followed in July 2026, from £28,849 with the grant applied, bringing the range's entry price down further and giving employees more choice on price against range.

For employees comparing an electric car scheme against other new EVs on the market, that domestic manufacturing story sits alongside the tax savings and the grant as part of the new Leaf's appeal. The car's continued production at Sunderland also underpins Nissan's wider UK electrification plans, with the electric Juke set to join it on the same production line ahead of a spring 2027 launch.

A British Success Story: Manufacturing in The North

The new Nissan Leaf is more than another electric car launch. It forms part of Nissan's EV36Zero project, the company's up to £3 billion transformation of UK electric vehicle production, and it builds on a track record of more than 280,000 Leafs built (282,704 at the start of third-generation production). Built by 6,000 skilled workers at the Sunderland facility, the new model is powered by batteries from AESC UK, Nissan's battery partner located adjacent to the Wearside factory.

The new Leaf also sits on the CMF-EV platform, a shared architecture that underpins the Ariya SUV too and will support the upcoming electric Juke, and it benefits from UK Investment Zone incentives designed to support advanced manufacturing in the North East. This platform-sharing approach lets Nissan spread development costs across multiple models, which can support more competitive pricing for the cars that eventually reach a company electric car scheme.

Nissan invested £450 million in the Sunderland plant to build the new Leaf, which is the first model built to its EV36Zero blueprint. For UK businesses weighing up a company electric car scheme, offering electric cars such as the Leaf can support Scope 3 commuting emissions reporting, which sits outside mandatory SECR but is increasingly expected.

New Nissan Leaf: Trims, Pricing and Specs

The new Leaf represents a pivot from its predecessors, adopting a sleek fastback design that prioritises aerodynamic efficiency. With a drag coefficient of 0.25, this electric car achieves low air resistance, featuring air-channelling metalwork, a closed grille, flush door handles, and a completely flat underbody

The new Leaf is available with two battery options.
The 75kWh model, on sale since late 2025, delivers up to 387 miles of WLTP range and a 218PS motor, whilst the 52kWh model, added in July 2026, delivers up to 280 miles from a 177PS motor.
Both versions use CCS rapid charging, with the 75kWh model adding up to 260 miles of range in around 30 minutes on a suitable public charger, and Nissan has finally dropped the CHAdeMO standard that limited the previous generation's public charging convenience.

Inside, twin displays handle most information and controls, with entry-level Engage trim getting two 12.3-inch screens and higher trims moving to larger units, though Nissan has kept haptic buttons for climate control and a physical volume knob rather than moving everything to a touchscreen.

The sloping roofline still allows for a 437-litre boot, larger than the Volkswagen ID.3's 385 litres, and the 75kWh Evolve trim adds vehicle-to-load technology so the battery can power external devices, useful for camping trips or power cuts.

Peak charging speed depends on the battery. The 75kWh model charges at up to 150kW, whilst the 52kWh model charges at up to 105kW and takes around 35 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. Both use CCS, so the difference matters mainly on longer journeys that rely on public rapid chargers.

Trim	Battery	WLTP Range	Peak DC Charging	Power	Price After Electric Car Grant
Engage	52kWh	Up to 280 miles	Up to 105kW	177PS	£28,849
Advance	52kWh	Up to 280 miles	Up to 105kW	177PS	£30,849
Engage	75kWh	Up to 387 miles	Up to 150kW	218PS	£32,249
Engage+	75kWh	Up to 387 miles	Up to 150kW	218PS	£33,149
Advance	75kWh	Up to 387 miles	Up to 150kW	218PS	£34,249
Evolve	75kWh	Up to 387 miles	Up to 150kW	218PS	£36,249

Range is the maximum for each battery size, so individual trims can return less. Check the WLTP figure for your chosen trim when you get a quote.

Nissan Leaf Track Record and Battery Warranty

Employees considering a new model naturally ask how it will hold up. The third-generation car is too new for its own independent reliability data, so the most useful evidence is the Leaf's record and the warranty that comes with it.

The Leaf has sold more than 650,000 units worldwide, and Nissan's battery guarantee covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That's also a condition of eligibility for the Electric Car Grant, which the new Leaf receives in full.

How Much Could You Save On The Nissan Leaf Through Salary Sacrifice?

With the Benefit-in-Kind rate for electric vehicles set at 4% for 2026/27, and the new Leaf qualifying for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, salary sacrifice is one of the most cost-effective ways to access a new electric car like the Leaf. A salary sacrifice car scheme lets employees pay for their EV from gross salary before tax and National Insurance deductions, which is what drives the monthly saving compared with a personal lease.

The Electric Car Scheme's package for the new Leaf is designed to remove the extra costs that usually complicate leasing, combining:

The new Nissan Leaf lease, alongside 200+ other EVs
Full maintenance and servicing
Breakdown cover
Comprehensive insurance add-on
Road tax (VED)
Optional home charger installation
Salary sacrifice charging through The Charge Scheme

The figures below are based on an employee earning £60,000 a year (a higher-rate, 40% taxpayer), driving 10,000 miles annually on a 3-year lease with a flat payment profile.

Salary Sacrifice Savings Breakdown	130kW Engage 52kWh	130kW Advance 52kWh	160kW Engage 75kWh	160kW Engage+ 75kWh	160kW Advance 75kWh	160kW Evolve 75kWh
Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT)	£503	£519	£526	£541	£542	£581
Employee income savings	-£201	-£207	-£210	-£216	-£217	-£232
Employee National Insurance savings	-£10	-£10	-£11	-£11	-£11	-£12
Average benefit-in-kind tax over term	£67	£72	£74	£76	£79	£83
Net cost/You pay	£359	£374	£379	£390	£393	£419

For UK employees, the new Nissan Leaf is available through The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice scheme, offering typical savings of 20-50% against a personal lease.

New Leaf vs Typical Alternatives

Employees weighing up the new Leaf against other options in this class are usually comparing British manufacturing and a long Leaf track record against newer entrants. The table below sets out how the new Leaf's headline figures compare with a typical alternative in the same segment.

Feature	New Nissan Leaf	Typical alternative
Electric Car Grant (GOV.UK)	Band 1: up to £3,750	Band 1 (£3,750), Band 2 (£1,500) or not eligible, depending on the model
Benefit-in-Kind, 2026/27	4%	4% for any zero-emission car
Benefit-in-Kind, 2027/28	5%	5% for any zero-emission car
Boot space	437 litres	Compact electric hatchbacks and crossovers range from 385 litres (Volkswagen ID.3) to 460 litres (Kia EV3)
Peak DC charging	Up to 150kW (75kWh), up to 105kW (52kWh)	Varies by model and battery
Price after grant (starting)	From £28,849	Varies by model and grant band

The Future of Electric Mobility

The new Nissan Leaf joins an expanding range of Nissan electric cars, including the Ariya SUV and the Micra EV, both already on sale, with the electric Juke, which Nissan will also build at Sunderland, due in spring 202

Nissan is also investing in solid-state battery technology, with its first vehicles using all-solid-state batteries targeted for fiscal year 2028 (April 2028 to March 2029).
Nissan says it could offer roughly the energy density of current lithium-ion cells and significantly faster charging, a development that could extend range and cut charging times further in future models of the Leaf. Nissan's Yokohama pilot facility, operational since January 2025, confirmed in April 2026 that a 23-layer vehicle-grade prototype pack has met its charge and discharge performance targets, with a partnership agreed with LiCAP Technologies to help bring manufacturing costs down.

For UK businesses looking to offer an attractive employee benefit whilst supporting sustainability goals, an electric car salary sacrifice scheme provides a practical route to both aims. Employees access the latest electric vehicle technology at a reduced cost, whilst employers demonstrate progress on emissions with no net cost to the business to run the scheme. Complete Employer Protection removes the main barrier to offering an EV salary sacrifice scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does the New Nissan Leaf Cost on Salary Sacrifice?

Through The Electric Car Scheme, the new Leaf typically costs between £359 and £420 a month net, depending on trim and battery. These figures assume a 40% taxpayer on a £60,000 salary, a 36-month term and 10,000 miles a year. Your own cost will depend on your salary, tax position and the car you choose.

How Much Range Does the New Leaf Have?

The 75kWh model offers up to 387 miles of WLTP range, whilst the 52kWh model offers up to 280 miles. Real-world range will vary with driving style, weather, and speed.

What Is the Benefit-in-Kind Rate on the New Leaf?

As a fully electric car, the new Leaf qualifies for the 4% Benefit-in-Kind rate that applies to zero-emission vehicles in 2026/27. This compares with a maximum of 37% in 2026/27for the highest-emission petrol and diesel cars. The electric car rate rises to 5% in 2027/28.

Does the New Leaf Qualify for the Electric Car Grant?

Yes. GOV.UK lists the Nissan Leaf as a Band 1 car, which attracts the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. The seller applies it automatically at the point of sale, so it's already reflected in the pricing above, and the grant is due to close on 31 March 2030. The higher trims qualify too: the 75kWh Evolve has a list price of £39,999, which is inside the £42,000 limit that applies to variants sharing the cheaper trim's battery, drivetrain and power.

Does the New Nissan Leaf Have a Battery Warranty?

Yes. Nissan's battery guarantee covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, which matches the warranty condition for the Electric Car Grant. The third-generation Leaf is too new to have its own independent reliability data, but more than 650,000 Leafs have been sold worldwide.

Can I Get the New Leaf Through Salary Sacrifice?

Yes. The Electric Car Scheme offers the new Leaf through its salary sacrifice scheme, alongside maintenance, breakdown cover, and insurance in a single monthly cost. Typical net monthly costs run from £359 to £420 depending on trim and battery, based on a £60,000 salary, a 36-month term and 10,000 miles a year.

The new Nissan Leaf brings together British manufacturing, a range improvement, and an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery guarantee. Built at Sunderland as part of Nissan's £3 billion EV36Zero programme, it offers up to 387 miles of range and up to 150kW rapid charging on the 75kWh model.

With electric vehicles taxed at 4% Benefit-in-Kind for 2026/27 and the new Leaf qualifying for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, accessing it through The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice scheme remains one of the most cost-effective ways for UK employees to drive a new EV. Typical net monthly costs run from £359 to £420 depending on trim and battery.

Ready to find out how much you could save on the new Nissan Leaf through salary sacrifice? Get an instant quote and see your estimated savings.

Are you an employer?

BOOK A DEMO

Are you an employee?

SEE AVAILABLE CARS

ECS GUIDES AND ADVICE

Ready to Go Electric? Your Guides and Tools to a Smooth Switch

How the Scheme Works
Find out how salary sacrifice can work for you or your business.
The Charge Scheme
Save 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice - at home, the office, or in public..
Complete Employer Protection
All employers and drivers are protected from day 1.
Used Electric Cars
Discover the most affordable way to drive electric. Cars delivered in 14 days.