Nissan e-NV200 Concept debuts, previewing multi-usage zero emissions small van
10 January 2012
|
|
| e-NV200 concept. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan introduced the Nissan e-NV200 Concept at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit. Based on the Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle.
The 24 kWh battery pack will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions, said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the LEAF EV. The NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH. It also received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a broad lineup that includes a taxi version.
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. The lithium-ion battery pack comprises 48 compact modules and is mated with a high-response 80 kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N·m) of torque.
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets. (Earlier post.)
The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan. Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx. Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfill exact customer requirements.
The Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. In late 2013, the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day. (Earlier post.)
This may very well become the grandfather of pure electric multipurpose vehicles of the 21st century. Way to go Nissan-Renault.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 January 2012 at 08:17 AM
2011 by the Japan Post Service
Why not the USPS? We could have been building and deploying these types of vehicles decades ago. This is a great little van, I hope people find a use for it.
Posted by: SJC | 10 January 2012 at 08:34 AM
The same unit equipped with a very light 2 cyls 30 Kw genset and a 50% to 66% smaller battery pack could make a valuable PHEV.
Posted by: HarveyD | 11 January 2012 at 10:01 AM
A good EV background article http://evworld.com/blogs.cfm?authorid=226&blogid=1141
It's interesting to consider that Nissan alone has the capacity to build over a thousand EVs a day - many just waiting on a better battery chemistry.
The US JCESR exists to develop a 5X the energy density, 1/5 the cost battery within 5 years(4.5 remaining).
Posted by: kelly | 13 May 2013 at 07:52 AM
Background: http://evworld.com/blogs.cfm?authorid=226&blogid=1141
Nissan has the capacity to produce over a thousand Leafs a day - many just waiting on a better battery chemistry.
The US JCESR exists to produce a 5X:1/5 cost battery chemistry in five years(4.5 left).
Posted by: kelly | 13 May 2013 at 08:02 AM