Following a package of 100 upgrades to improve the range, reduce weight and charging times, improve boot space and the introduction of a three-tiered model range, the revised LEAF is being manufactured in three sites instead of centralised production in Japan.

American models will be manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee, Asian market cars will continue to be built in Oppama, Japan, while the ‘Euro LEAF’ will be built in Sunderland. All three facilities manufacture their own batteries on site, and with a £420m investment in the UK Nissan said production of the LEAF was supporting 2,000 British jobs, including 500 internal positions.

Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer “We could not have reached this point without the support and commitment we have enjoyed from Governments across Europe, especially the British Government, who are backing the car industry on manufacturing and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.  I would also like to once again place on record our thanks to our many partners and their strong belief in zero-emissions motoring.”

An electric version of the NV200 compact van will follow later this year, available as a commercial vehicle, five-seat combi and electric taxi. Infiniti has also confirmed a battery-electric vehicle, expected in 2015.