Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Detroit Show 2012 Highlights: Nissan e-NV200 Concept


Nissan is delivering on its promise to make an all-electric van using the Nissan Leaf’s running gear with this new Nissan e-NV200 Concept at the Detroit motor show. As the name suggests, the concept is based on the versatile Nissan NV200 van, which will form the basis of the next-generation New York taxi from 2013.

The e-NV200 Concept has “potential” as a mass production vehicle, Nissan claims, with businesses the likely target market for sales. Despite an initially higher purchase price, Nissan claims business users would notice a “reduction in operating costs” compared to conventional vans equipped with an internal combustion engine.

The Leaf hatchback provides the e-NV200 with its all-electric driveline. It gets a lithium-ion battery pack that powers an 107bhp/207 lb ft electric motor. All-electric range is claimed to be similar to the Leaf’s. The powertrain will not effect the NV200’s payload or cargo space.

Styling wise, the NV200 is instantly recognizable as a Nissan electric vehicle thanks to its Leaf-inspired front end. Like the Leaf, its charging connector point is hidden underneath a flap beneath the Nissan badge at the front. The concept is also painted in the Leaf’s Aqua Blue paint.

Real-world trials of all-electric NV200s are already underway around the world. Companies testing the development models include the Japan Post Service in Yokohama and FedEx in London.

Thanks to: Autocar

0 comments:

My Ping in TotalPing.com