How Nissan is Manufacturing its First EV JUKE in the UK

Nissan plans to produce its first electric JUKE model at its Sunderland manufacturing facility.

The decision comes as the automaker navigates factory utilisation challenges and explores partnership arrangements to optimise production capacity. Nissan is reportedly in talks with China’s Chery on car manufacturing in Sunderland, according to the Financial Times.

The Japanese manufacturer has moved the JUKE nameplate into battery electric vehicle production after selling more than 1.5 million units across Europe since 2010. This is the model's first iteration as an EV. 

Production facility and capacity

The electric JUKE will enter production at Nissan's Sunderland plant where the company currently manufactures the LEAF electric vehicle. According to the Financial Times, Nissan held talks with Chinese state-owned Chery on building cars at the Sunderland site.

The facility operates at roughly 50% capacity, according to the Financial Times.

This production allocation comes alongside changes to local supply chain arrangements. The Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO)'s £50m (US$67.8m) factory in Sunderland will not provide the EV parts it was created to build, according to BBC News.

JATCO is 75% owned by Nissan, 15% by Mitsubishi and 10% by Suzuki. The site was set to produce three-in-one electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan's Sunderland plant.

Manufacturing strategy under restructuring

Nissan operates under its Re:Nissan programme following operating losses in 2024. Nissan posted an operating loss of JP¥215.9bn (US$1.36bn) in 2024. The programme aims to cut 20,000 jobs and close seven factories.

Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Espinosa, said when announcing the Re:Nissan plan: "In the face of challenging FY24 performance and rising variable costs, compounded by an uncertain environment, we must prioritise self-improvement with greater urgency and speed, aiming for profitability that relies less on volume."

According to a Nissan spokesperson cited by the BBC, the change related to JATCO had been made as part of the ongoing global recovery plan. 

Component sourcing and specifications

According to Auto Express, the JUKE EV will be built on similar specifications to the Nissan LEAF with a choice of standard and long range batteries. The LEAF's three-in-one power unit will also be used.

The power unit combines the motor, inverter and gearbox. The system will likely be detuned from the C segment crossover's 174 bhp and 215 bhp power outputs, according to Auto Express.

Jordi Vila, Europe Divisional Vice President of Nissan Europe & Africa, tells Auto Express at the JUKE's unveiling in Yokohama: "The JUKE is not only disruptive from a style standpoint, but it's also very interesting, very fun to drive."

The vehicle enters production in spring 2027. The exact specifications have not been confirmed by the carmaker.

Market positioning and output

The BEV market share in Europe reached 17.4% in 2025, up from 13.6% in the previous year, according to statistics published by ACEA. 

Massimiliano Messina, Chairman of Nissan AMIEO, says: "Europe is central to Nissan's electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future.

"With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility."