Nissan Unveils All-New Leaf: British-Built Electric Car Coming to Salary Sacrifice
Source: Nissan News
Nissan has unveiled the highly anticipated third-generation Leaf electric car, marking a significant milestone for both the Japanese manufacturer and UK automotive production. The revolutionary new EV will be built at Nissan's Sunderland plant, reinforcing Britain's position as a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing whilst offering UK drivers an exciting new option for electric driving.
A British Success Story: Manufacturing Excellence in the North East
The new Nissan Leaf represents more than just another electric car launch – it's a testament to the strength of UK manufacturing. Built by 6,000 skilled workers at the Sunderland facility, this latest iteration will be powered by batteries from AESC UK, Nissan's battery partner located adjacent to the Wearside factory.
Alan Johnson, senior vice president of manufacturing and supply chain management at Nissan Motor Manufacturing, expressed his pride: "It's with immense pride that we unveil the third generation of our pioneering electric Leaf, 12 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."
This commitment to British manufacturing has been further strengthened by £1bn of investment secured earlier this year for a second AESC UK electric car battery plant, demonstrating long-term confidence in the UK as a hub for electric vehicle production.
Revolutionary Design and Performance
The new Leaf represents a dramatic departure from its predecessors, adopting a sleek fastback design that prioritises aerodynamic efficiency. With a drag coefficient of just 0.25, this electric car achieves remarkable slipperiness through the air, featuring air-channelling metalwork, a closed grille, flush door handles, and a completely flat underbody.
Technical Specifications
The third-generation Leaf will be available in two configurations:
Entry-level variant:
174-horsepower electric motor
52kWh battery pack
270-mile range (WLTP)
Top-specification model:
214-horsepower electric motor
75kWh battery pack
Up to 375-mile range (WLTP)
Both versions support rapid charging at speeds up to 150kW, enabling drivers to add over 200 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes. Crucially, Nissan has finally abandoned the CHAdeMO charging standard in favour of the now-universal CCS setup, making public charging significantly more convenient.
Interior Innovation and Technology
The cabin receives a complete transformation with twin 14-inch displays handling the majority of information and controls. Unlike some manufacturers who have moved everything to touchscreens, Nissan retains haptic buttons for climate control and a physical volume knob for the stereo system.
The sloping roofline maximises aerodynamic efficiency whilst still providing a generous 437-litre boot space – significantly larger than the Volkswagen ID.3's 385-litre capacity. Advanced features include Nissan's around-view parking technology and the innovative 'invisible hood' parking assistant.
Vehicle-to-Load Technology
Following current EV trends, the new Leaf incorporates vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing the car's battery to power external devices. This feature transforms your electric car into a mobile power source, perfect for camping trips or emergency situations.
Availability and Pricing
Order books for the new Nissan Leaf will open this autumn, with first deliveries expected in Spring 2026. While official pricing hasn't been confirmed, industry sources suggest the entry-level model will start around £30,000.
The Electric Car Scheme: Making the New Leaf Affordable
For UK employees, the new Nissan Leaf will be available through The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice scheme, offering substantial savings on this exciting new electric car. Through an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, employees can save 20-50% compared to traditional personal contract hire arrangements.
Salary Sacrifice Benefits for 2025/26
With the Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rate for electric vehicles set at just 3% for 2025/26, salary sacrifice schemes represent the most cost-effective way to access new electric cars like the Leaf. A company electric car scheme allows employees to pay for their EV through their gross salary before tax and National Insurance deductions, resulting in significant monthly savings.
The Electric Car Scheme offers a comprehensive package that includes:
The new Nissan Leaf lease, alongside most other EVs
Full maintenance and servicing
Breakdown cover
Comprehensive Insurance add-on
Optional home charger installation
Salary sacrifice charging through The Charge Scheme
Why Choose the New Leaf Through Salary Sacrifice?
James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, highlighted the Leaf's pioneering role: "Leaf is a pioneering electric vehicle that has encouraged thousands to make the switch to electric motoring - and best of all, it's built here in Britain."
For employees considering an electric car scheme, the new Leaf offers several compelling advantages:
Environmental Credentials: As the first model launched under Nissan's EV36Zero sustainability project, the Leaf demonstrates genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.
British Heritage: Supporting UK manufacturing whilst enjoying cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Proven Reliability: Building on 12 years of EV experience since the original Leaf launched.
Future-Proof Technology: With CCS charging compatibility and advanced battery thermal management ensuring consistent rapid charging performance.
The Future of Electric Mobility
The new Nissan Leaf's arrival represents a significant moment for the UK electric vehicle market. As part of Nissan's broader electrification strategy, it joins an expanding range of electric cars available through salary sacrifice schemes.
For UK businesses looking to offer an attractive employee benefit whilst supporting their sustainability goals, an electric car salary sacrifice scheme provides a win-win solution. Employees access the latest electric vehicle technology at substantially reduced costs, whilst employers demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility without any direct cost to the business.
The Electric Car Scheme continues to lead the UK market in making electric vehicles accessible and affordable through salary sacrifice. With the new Nissan Leaf's impressive 375-mile range, rapid charging capabilities, and British manufacturing heritage, it represents an excellent choice for employees ready to embrace electric motoring.
As we approach the autumn order opening, the new Nissan Leaf stands ready to continue its pioneering legacy whilst showcasing the very best of British automotive manufacturing excellence.
Ready to discover how much you could save on the new Nissan Leaf through salary sacrifice? Contact The Electric Car Scheme today to explore your options and join thousands of UK drivers who have already made the switch to cleaner, more affordable electric motoring.
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Last updated: 18/06/25
Note: As specific pricing details become available, we'll update this article with detailed cost breakdowns and potential savings through salary sacrifice schemes.
