Fed-Ex Testing Nissan’s All-Electric e-NV200 in Yokohama
The Nissan-FedEx partnership has a new testing ground for Nissan’s all-electric e-NV200 commercial van – namely, the Yokohama area, starting this month. The e-NV200, as long-term CleanTechnica readers may remember, is the Leaf-based version of the NV200 cargo van.
Second Verse, Just Like the First (Except Better)
This isn’t the first electric truck on loan to FedEx, but this is the second time FedEx has picked up an e-NV200 or two from Nissan specifically (its first test was in Europe last year), and it’s not the only ones. AEON Retail in Japan (it has giant shopping malls, seriously, and they’re all over) and British Gas in Europe are among those considering the practicalities of the e-NV200.
Nissan’s view on the e-NV200 is that it’s functional and roomy on the inside, versatile and practical, smooth and quiet, and also (of course) that the CO2 emissions level of zero is super awesome. Nissan also says that the cost of ownership is “enviable,” which is what most businesses really care about.
The End of the Line (Isn’t That Long)
The Yokohama-based FedEx test, specifically, will last for about a month. The single solitary e-NV200 on loan will be used to deliver international air cargo to its final destination. As Yokohama has a number of crowded and sometimes narrow streets (like most major metropolitan areas, particularly in Japan), the electric van should be pretty energy efficient (no idling in traffic!). The relatively short distances for deliveries should also be a perfect fit for the e-NV200.
Ujiie Masamichi, regional vice president, North Pacific, FedEx express noted:
“FedEx has been implementing various environmentally-friendly initiatives all over the world. Since 2005 our goal has been to make our vehicle fleet 20% more fuel efficient by 2020. FedEx is gradually shifting its delivery fleet to more efficient vehicles and increasing its investment in all-electric and alternative drivetrain vehicles. We value this opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to the development of the e-NV200. FedEx is committed to delivering highly reliable service to our customers in an environmentally responsible way.”
One electric van does not an environmentally responsible company make – but it does make a starting point. Let us know what you think about the e-NV200 and FedEx’s potential commitment to greenifying its business model in the comments, below.
Source: Nissan Global via Treehugger
Image Credit: Nissan Global
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