Nissan Field Testing 100% Electric Van
We’ve written about Nissan’s 100% electric van a few times, including its entry into Europe and Fed-Ex testing. Sister site Gas2 has also had some words about it. I think we’re all eagerly awaiting its arrival in the US market. Right now we can tell you that Nissan is doing some more field testing (not done yet?). More info via EV Obsession and Nissan:
Nissan has been an obvious leader in the electric car arena. It’s getting closing to leading the way in the electric van arena, too.
The company is now field testing its 100% electric e-NV200 compact van. In these field tests, it is facilitating deliveries between the Saitama City Hall and city offices.
My guess is that an electric van would have a harder time breaking into the market than an electric car, but maybe not. Vans are already larger and heavier, so adding heavy batteries won’t be as much of a drag. As such, Nissan should be able to give it a pretty decent range. Also, vans are certainly more of a “mom vehicle” than “dad vehicle,” and moms are top green consumers. We’ll see. For now, here’s Nissan’s announcement about the field testing news:
Yokohama, Japan (May 13, 2013) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the start of field tests for the 100% electric e-NV200 compact van in Saitama City (Saitama Prefecture).
Saitama City is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles by linking up with a variety of stakeholders through its E-KIZUNA project. Begun in 2009, the project promotes EVs as a way to address global warming and realize a sustainable low-carbon society.
Nissan, which signed on at the start of the project, is discussing and cooperating with the City in the areas of building the charging infrastructure, creating demand and developing incentives, and building community awareness. The initial field tests for the van are part of Nissan’s commitment to these initiatives.
Saitama City will put the e-NV200 through its paces as it travels between Saitama City Hall and other municipal offices in the course of conducting regular business. The vehicle will be evaluated for environmental-friendliness, usability and economy. The City’s ultimate goal is to implement sustainable transportation solutions by promoting the adoption of EVs.
Nissan has been carrying out field tests since 2011 for the 100% electric e-NV200 with many major corporations. In Japan, tests have been conducted by AEONMALL Corporation and Coca-Cola Central Japan Co., Ltd. In Europe, field tests have been carried out by British Gas, while recently in Singapore, FedEx Express participated in tests as part of the company’s comprehensive global field testing program. Results and feedback from field tests will be reflected in production model development. The 100% electric e-NV200 commercial vehicle follows the Nissan LEAF as the second EV to be sold globally. The e-NV200 establishes Nissan’s leadership in the zero-emissions domain even more firmly, and at the same time contributes significantly toward breakthrough innovation for commercial vehicles.
The model offers all of the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of its base vehicle, the multipurpose commercial van NV200. It delivers advanced performance that can only be achieved through the powertrain of the Nissan LEAF. The e-NV200 provides exceptionally smooth acceleration and quietness, driving characteristics that are unique to electric vehicles, while emitting no CO2 emissions at the point of use.
e-NV200 displays great potential for businesses, with its advanced telematics system and power-supply function in the cargo compartment. Also, the model’s enviable running cost – a priority for most companies – will be highly attractive when competing in the commercial vehicle marketplace.
As a leader in zero-emissions mobility, Nissan is developing EVs while engaged in comprehensive efforts to expand EV use and promote sustainable mobility. These initiatives extend from producing lithium-ion batteries, and recycling and reusing these batteries, to developing the EV charging infrastructure and proprietary speed-charging equipment.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has already arranged more than 100 partnerships related to zero-emissions mobility with national and local governments, and corporations, throughout the world.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion U.S.). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.
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