Japanese automaker Nissan has announced that a 100 per cent electric compact van, the e-NV200, will go into production in Europe during the 2013 financial year.

The new model will be based on the award-winning NV200 and will be an important and innovative addition to Nissan’s global range of light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

e-NV200 will become Nissan’s second all-electric vehicle (EV) following the launch of the multi-award winning Nissan Leaf in 2010, underlining Nissan’s long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.

The new model, which represents a 100 million euro ($125.7 million) investment by Nissan in Spain, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and throughout its local supplier base.

e-NV200 will provide roomy interior space and will retain the host of innovative and practical features of the current NV200 line up combined with the most advanced powertrain components of the Nissan Leaf, a statement said.

This will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan Leaf on a single charge and similar performance, together with best in class running and maintenance costs, it added.

Andy Palmer, Nissan executive vice president, said: “e-NV200 represents a genuine breakthrough in commercial vehicles and further underlines Nissan’s leadership within the electric vehicle segment.

“The new model will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditionally powered compact van, but with zero CO2 emission at the point of use and also provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EV’s.

“Crucially, it will also offer class-leading running and maintenance costs, which makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition to both businesses and families.”

e-NV200 will also make a significant contribution to Nissan’s aim of becoming the world’s largest LCV manufacturer by 2016 as a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan.

Last year Nissan achieved an historic milestone of selling more than one million LCV’s worldwide in a single year.

Palmer added: “e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the broadest of any manufacturer.

“I would like to thank the Spanish and Catalonian Government for their continued support of Nissan in Spain, and congratulate the Barcelona workforce for earning the right to produce what will be an extremely important model for Nissan globally.”

The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ following a rigorous selection process.

Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in the coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most demanding usage.  Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer requirements ahead of the start of production expected in the 2013 financial year. – TradeArabia News Service