The new Nissan LEAF scheduled to launch early next year will be available with a 4909 USD discount thanks to the government’s expanded Electric Car Grant (ECG). Nissan is the fourth manufacturer to offer the full discount and is the latest in a series of moves designed to make it cheaper and easier for families to switch into EVs. More than 35,000 drivers have already benefited from the grant since it launched in July.
Production of the new LEAF will begin at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, which employs 6,000 people, next month. Adding LEAF to the ECG is expected to drive significant sales, secure jobs and growth in the region and further cement the North East’s position as one of the UK’s most important manufacturing heartlands. “We’re delighted to confirm that the new Nissan LEAF will be priced from 42,215 USD, including the plug-in car grant, and boasts an impressive 386 miles of range,” said James Taylor, Nissan GB Managing Director.
This expansion takes the total number of eligible models under the ECG to 39, with popular brands such as Ford, Citroën and Vauxhall on offer. The news comes at a time when demand for EVs continues to surge; one in four new car sales in October were electric. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed Nissan into the drive to make going electric “cheaper and more accessible”. This scheme also supports the UK’s automotive industry and is assessed against strict sustainability standards.
The government is also investing heavily in charging infrastructure to support the rapid EV revolution, with 100,000 new charge points being rolled out across the UK backed by the 498.50 million USD LEVI fund. The network is expanding at pace, with a new charger being added every 33 minutes. Additionally, 32.71 million USD will be invested in slashing red tape, making it easier for those without driveways, renters and flatmates to install home chargers and access cheaper electricity rates.
