Nissan starts production of the new generation Leaf
New Nissan Leaf 2026: Electrification picks up speed at Sunderland and arrives in Romania
Japanese carmaker Nissan is sending a strong signal in the global race for electric vehicles. The new generation Nissan Leaf has rolled off the assembly line at its Sunderland, UK, plant, marking not only the debut of a long-awaited model but also the materialisation of its ambitious EV36Zero plan. After a massive £450 million investment, the plant has become a state-of-the-art production hub, ready to deliver a fundamentally reinvented electric model to the European market (and implicitly to Romania).
A Modernized Plant for the Electric Future
The £450 million investment in the Sunderland plant is not just a number, it is a complete transformation. The upgrade included:
- 78 robots in the body shop, introducing laser welding technology with a remarkable precision of 0.3 mm.
- 475 automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to optimize internal logistics.
- Over 360,000 hours of training for the team of 6,000 employees, ensuring the necessary expertise for new production technologies.
This robust technological foundation is essential for the new Leaf, a model that, together with the upcoming Nissan Juke, will help strengthen Nissan's position in the electric vehicle market.
Technical Details and Impressive Autonomy
The third generation Leaf abandons the traditional hatchback silhouette, adopting a fastback crossover design, much more dynamic and aerodynamic, with an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.25. Technical specifications confirm the qualitative leap:
| Specification | Standard Version (Estimated) | Extended Range Version (Estimated) |
| Battery Capacity | 52 kWh | 75 kWh |
| WLTP Range (Estimated) | Up to 436 km | Up to 604 - 622 km |
| Motor Power | 177 HP (130 kW) | 218 HP (160 kW) |
| Motor Torque | 344 Nm | 354 Nm |
| DC Fast Charging | 105 kW | 150 kW |
| Fast Charging Time (15-80%) | 30 minutes | 30 minutes (approx. 420 km added) |
The autonomy of over 600 kilometers (for the 75 kWh version) places the new Leaf among the most competitive electric vehicles, eliminating much of the "fear of autonomy" that still influences the purchase decision.
The New Nissan Leaf in Romania: Launch and Price
For the Romanian market, the new Nissan Leaf is a model of particular importance, given its history as one of the first popular electric vehicles globally.
Release and Availability
The official launch of the new model in Romania is most likely expected in the fall of 2025, with first deliveries estimated for spring 2026. Although the exact calendar may undergo adjustments, local dealers have already started receiving pre-reservations.
Prices and Subsidies
Although Nissan has not yet announced official list prices for the European market (and implicitly for Romania), a competitive positioning is anticipated, given the crossover specifications and extended autonomy.
- Estimate: List prices will be announced soon. However, as with previous generations, the Nissan Leaf will benefit fully from the Rabla Plus Programs in Romania. The substantial subsidy will make the final purchase price much more attractive, being a major argument for Romanian customers who want to make the transition to electric mobility.
Impact in Romania
The new Leaf, with its increased autonomy and 150 kW fast charging capabilities, perfectly meets the needs of drivers in Romania:
- Long-distance commuting: The over 600 km of autonomy easily solves intercity trips and weekend trips, including on routes less equipped with charging stations.
- Infrastructure: Short fast charging times will significantly reduce waiting at fast charging stations, a vital requirement as Romania's electric car fleet expands.
- Technology: The integration of a Google-based multimedia system and ProPILOT Assist assistance functions will provide a modern and safe experience, aligned with market expectations.
In conclusion, the new generation Nissan Leaf, rolling out of the ultra-modern factory in Sunderland, is not just a better electric car; it is a statement of intent from Nissan and an important factor in accelerating the electrification of the Romanian car fleet.