The redesigned Nissan Leaf will be priced from £32,249 in the UK, making it one of the most affordable long-range electric vehicles thanks to the inclusion of the maximum £3,750 government Electric Car Grant (ECG). Production begins next month at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
Eligibility and Market Position
The Leaf joins a select group of EVs – including the Ford Puma Gen-E, Ford E-Tourneo Courier, and Citroën ë-C5 Aircross – qualifying for the higher-tier grant. Most other models on the scheme receive only £1,500 off. This positions Nissan favorably, with all its EVs now eligible for some level of ECG support; the Micra and Ariya currently receive the lower discount.
Performance and Range Options
The initial launch version of the Leaf features a 75kWh battery delivering up to 386 miles of range. A 213bhp motor provides 0-62mph acceleration in 7.6 seconds. Nissan plans to introduce a more affordable version later with a 52kWh battery and a range of 271 miles, which could bring the starting price below £30,000.
Trim Levels and Features
The Leaf will be available in four trims:
- Engage (£32,249): Standard features include a heat pump, 18-inch alloys, an 11kW onboard charger, and dual 12.3-inch screens.
- Engage+ (£33,149): Adds Google services, heated front seats and steering wheel, larger 14.3-inch screens, and wireless phone charging.
- Advance (£34,249): Includes a panoramic roof, head-up display, electric boot lid, privacy glass, and a wraparound light bar.
- Evolve (£36,249): Top-tier trim with a nine-speaker Bose sound system, vehicle-to-load charging, synthetic leather seats, and driver massage function.
All prices include the ECG discount.
Local Production as a Key Factor
Nissan GB boss James Taylor emphasized that the Leaf’s eligibility for the higher grant reflects the UK government’s focus on supporting domestically manufactured vehicles. The new battery plant under construction in Sunderland will further strengthen this position, enabling full British assembly of both batteries and cars starting next year. The ECG framework prioritizes models with lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, including production and shipping – a benefit for locally sourced EVs.
“Our battery plant is being built in Sunderland, and when full-scale production starts there next year, we will have British-assembled and -built batteries going into British-assembled and -built cars.” – James Taylor, Nissan GB boss.
The Leaf’s pricing and eligibility underscore the growing importance of local EV production in influencing government incentives and consumer affordability.
