Nissan's Sunderland plant marked its 250,000 LEAF production milestone with a festive-themed stunt.
The North East factory lit up its 32-foot Christmas tree and reindeer models using its V2X technology, which can turn the car into a mobile power bank. The landmark comes more than 10 years after electric vehicle production launched at the plant.
The manufacturer was keen to show off its V2X system to media, which is yet to be available for UK consumers but is being marketed in other parts of the world. The technology provides 'vehicle-to-grid' capabilities that can also turn the car into an energy hub which could feed a building or other devices when needed.
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Speaking to BusinessLive, vice president manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland plant Alan Johnson, said: "A lot of the opportunities relate to domestic use, and in fact there are other countries in the world where we're already doing this. European legislation at the moment restricts it from happening but I know it's something the whole electricity industry is working on. I'm sure in the future that will come to fruition."
Last year, Nissan unveiled its £1bn EV36ZERO strategy which includes the production of new electrified versions of the Qashqai - equipped with its e-POWER system - and Juke models, as well as the continuation of the Leaf. The plans also encompass its partnership with battery firm Envision AESC to build a 1,000-job gigafactory at the nearby IAMP.
Mr Johnson added: "Electric sales are only going one way - and that's up. I think the fact we now have hybrid Juke, and the e-power Qashqai, alongside the 100% electric powered Leaf means that I fully expect that, at least Nissan, will be selling more electric vehicles next year than this year. And this year has been a good year for us."
Production volumes at Sunderland are expected to ramp up next year and Mr Johnson confirmed there would be additional recruitment in the first quarter of 2023 to fuel that push.
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