IRVINE, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2013) — Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is readying a zero-emission version of its compact delivery van, the electric e-NV200, for launch by next year, offering small business operators a "breakthrough" type of mobility combining efficiency and green consciousness.
The company said it has been working with several large commercial fleets in global markets since 2011 to understand how the e-NV200 performs under real operating conditions.
The e-NV200 is based on Nissan's multipurpose NV200 commercial van, which offers 122 cubic feet of carrying space, with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds. It uses a lithium-ion battery—composed of 48 compact modules—providing power for an 80kW AC synchronous electric motor that generates 207 lb-ft of torque.
The standard version of the B-platform van uses the same 2-liter four-cylinder engine as Nissan's Sentra sedan. It's rated at 24 mpg combined.
Nissan claims the e-NV200 provides "exceptionally smooth" acceleration and quietness, while emitting no CO2 emissions at the point of use.
"The e-NV200 will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditional diesel or gas-powered compact van, but with zero CO2 or other pollutant emissions at the point of use," said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The e-NV200 could be the first of a number of zero-emission delivery vehicles, Nissan said. Also under development is the e-NT400, a light truck based on the European NT400Cabstar, known as NT400 Atlas in Japan.
The e-NT400 uses a high-output, high-capacity lithium-ion battery powering the 80kW electric motor, delivering a cruising range of 87 miles.
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