Nissan has committed itself to the sale of only electric cars across Europe from 2030, the year when the UK was supposed to have banned new vehicles powered by petrol and diesel.
The Japanese carmaker also confirmed that all new models to be launched on the continent from now on would be fully electric.
Its commitment to 2030 brings Nissan into line with its French partner Renault and joins rivals including Volvo and Ford.
The company issued the statement less than a week after the UK government confirmed that it was to defer its ban on the sale of conventionally-powered cars until 2035.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that while he remained committed to the battle against climate change, he had to protect “hard-pressed British families” from “unacceptable costs”.
The U-turn removed the UK’s leading role in the timing of the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and powered a backlash from industry groups, many of which complained of an own goal – that a lack of government support was a major factor.
The sector’s main lobby group declared the delay would only damage demand for electric cars in the short and medium term.
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Industry anger at green changes
Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s chief executive, said in his statement: “There is no turning back now.
“Nissan will make the switch to full electric by 2030 in Europe – we believe it is the right thing to do for our business, our customers and for the planet.”
One of two new EV models it has already confirmed for Europe will be manufactured at its Sunderland plant.