Japanese automaker Nissan today announced its plans to ramp up electric vehicle production in the UK with an investment up to Euro 2 billion to manufacture two new models at Sunderland facility as well as for additional battery capacity and other infrastructure.
The Sunderland facility, which already produces electric variant of LEAF, will now manufacture electric versions of Qashqai and Juke. The electric version of Qashqai and Juke are based on Hyper Urban and Hyper Punk concepts unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show.
“Nissan’s latest investment includes up to Euro 1.12 billion into its UK operations and wider supply chain for R&D and manufacturing of the two new models announced today, including facility and manufacturing process improvements, skills training, and tooling for suppliers,” the company said in a press release.
“The additional two models, alongside an additional gigafactory and further investment for infrastructure projects, will result in an investment of up to £2bn. It means Nissan’s plans for the future electric versions of Qashqai, Juke, and the replacement for Leaf, will enable up to a Euro 3 billion investment in the UK,” the company said.
The company noted that specifications and launch dates of the new electric vehicles will be announced at a later time.
Nissan had earlier announced an investment of Euro 1 billion to build an electric vehicle hub in Sunderland, named EV36Zero. “Expansion of transformational EV36Zero hub will require third gigafactory to support UK’s biggest car plant,” the company said.
Nissan expects its passenger car line-up in Europe to be 100% electric by 2030.