Nissan has announced that it is all set to bring in the production version of its electric vehicle, the e-NV200 to the Japanese market in 2014. Global sales of the vehicle will follow later on. The Leaf was the first all-electric offering by Nissan and now the e-NV200 is its second electric offering to be made available globally. The e-NV200 will be produced at Nissan’s plant in Barcelona, Spain from mid-2014. An India launch is unlikely as the regular NV200 is performing poorly in the domestic market.
The e-NV200 is based on the NV200 van (which is badged as the Evalia for India) and it is going to have the same powerplant that powers the Leaf. The engine which is a synchronous motor is capable of churning out 107.2 BHP of power and 280 Nm of torque. Energy would be provided by a lithium-ion battery. Nissan has said that this electric van will have the lowest running costs in the commercial vehicle segment without compromising on the practicality, space and utility of the regular NV200 van. The e-NV200 also features a power supply function in the luggage area to support outdoor activities or emergency power and it also has an advanced telematics system.
The government of Yokohama, Nissan’s hometown, is considering the use of this vehicle in the city for public services as well as establishing a vehicle monitor user program that would be made available for the residents of the city. There are other plans for the e-NV200 too, such as utilizing this vehicle for taxi purposes in Barcelona. For this, the city administration is planning to install a quick charger network as well exclusive parking slots meant for EVs. Nissan will be showcasing the e-NV200 at the Tokyo Motor Show.
