- Nissan e-NV200 Concept, 2012
The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which made it world debut at
the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of
Nissan's leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry.
Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan
e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full
electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with
flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint
reduction.
NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity
The Nissan
e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production
Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan
LEAF EV. The versatile and highly acclaimed 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, an
organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the
emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the
CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its
presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that
includes a taxi version.
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept's EV-style
identity starts with its front "face." The wide hood is accented by a
large central charging port door, the blue-accented Nissan badge, and
sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is
highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and
its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse
combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open
interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color,
following the concept of the Nissan LEAF's Aqua Blue, which expresses a
sense of environmental friendliness.
Inside, the Nissan e-NV200
Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use
of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color
palette, while also retaining the NV200's strong functional feeling. The
Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a
flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a
tablet computer.
Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.
Silent,
zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of
48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that
generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional
internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from
start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and
smooth, comfortable driving feel.
And, like the Nissan LEAF, the
Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive
experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect
from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan
LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy
- a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.
Real World Testing Underway
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. 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 fulfilll exact customer requirements.
Nissan's New York "Taxi of Tomorrow"
As
a true global product, 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. Undoubtedly its most visible
role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the
foundation for New York City's new designated yellow cab, serving an
estimated 600,000 passengers a day.
Selected over other global
manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum
interior space in a multi-year "Taxi of Tomorrow" competition, the
all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi
owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas
and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.
Interior
features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area
to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry
step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled
rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to
improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help
passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial,
easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.
