Nissan Hits 100,000 Electric Cars Sold in the UK

Ron and Gillian Ainsworth walked into a Chorley dealership expecting to pick up a new car, but walked out as part of automotive history.

The couple had no idea their shiny Rebel Red Nissan Micra would be the automaker's 100,000th electric vehicle sold in the UK. The milestone marks 15 years since Nissan introduced the world's first mass-market electric car, the LEAF, to British drivers back in March 2011.

"We are delighted with our new Micra," Mrs. Ainsworth said. "It's our first electric vehicle and we love everything about it."

Adam Gradwell from Chorley Nissan handed over the keys to the couple at the Lancashire dealership. He noted that rising fuel prices this year have driven more customers to consider electric vehicles, and the new Micra has become particularly popular with first-time EV buyers.

The original LEAF launched with about 109 miles of real-world range, a modest number that skeptics said would never work for everyday drivers. Today, Nissan's electric lineup includes the redesigned third-generation LEAF (crowned Auto Express Car of the Year for 2026), the Micra city car, and the Ariya SUV with over 300 miles of range.

Nissan hasn't stopped at passenger cars either. The company has electrified its commercial vehicle lineup, transitioning from the pioneering e-NV200 van in 2014 to today's Townstar EV and Interstar-e, its first fully electric large van.

The Ripple Effect

Britain's electric vehicle transformation is happening faster than many predicted. What started with one innovative hatchback has grown into an entire ecosystem of electric options for families, commuters, and businesses alike.

Nissan's Sunderland plant now serves as home to the UK's biggest single car factory, employing around 7,000 people across the country. The facility builds some of Britain's best-selling cars and recently added electric Micra production as part of the EV36Zero project, Nissan's vision for sustainable manufacturing that brings together electric vehicles, renewable energy, and battery production.

The future pipeline looks equally promising. A fully electric Juke will roll off the Sunderland production line soon, joining the LEAF in representing homegrown British electric vehicle manufacturing.

For the Ainsworths, their Micra is simply a comfortable, spacious car that drives beautifully and looks great. That it also represents a turning point in automotive history is just a bonus.