Nissan originally began testing of an all-electric version of its NV200 light commercial van back in mid-2010 before showcasing the e-NV200 concept at the North American International Auto Show in 2012. Now the automaker has unveiled the production version of the LEAF's bigger brother in Geneva, touting the vehicle as a practical and sustainable city delivery vehicle or people mover.
Taking a leaf out of the LEAF's book, the e-NV200 features the same independent front suspension and electric drivetrain found in its smaller brother. However, the 24 kWh battery powering the 80 kW electric motor is packaged differently to enable it to be positioned under the vehicle's floor and retain the same 4,200 L (1,136 US gal) cargo volume as the standard NV200. This required a mounting assembly that Nissan says also improves torsional stiffness of the vehicle by 20 percent and lateral stiffness by 35 percent compared to the NV200.
The vehicle's battery pack can be charged overnight via a domestic 16-amp single-phase 3.3 kW outlet, or in four hours via a 6.6 kW/32-amp supply. Using one of the more than 1,000 CHAdeMO DC 50 kW quick chargers already installed across Europe will charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes.
With an homologated NEDC range of 170 km (106 miles) and a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), the e-NV200 is primarily aimed at businesses, with its standard van configuration that can carry two standard Euro pallets. However, Nissan will also target families and taxi fleets with the availability of the e-NV200 as a five-seat people carrier.
Visually differentiating the e-NV200 from the ICE version are a new "face", again borrowed from the LEAF, blue-tinted LED headlights, and a new instrument panel with digital readout that displays vehicle speed, charge state and vehicle range.
Pricing details are yet to be revealed, but the e-NV200 is set to hit showrooms in June.
Source: Nissan GB
