Nissan’s 
zero-emission van

Following on from the success of the Leaf, Nissan has released an electric version of its NV200 small van, and has already seen some significant business orders. Angela Pisanu takes it for a drive on the streets of Barcelona.

The Nissan e-NV200 shares several key components with the Leaf including its electric motor, front suspension and parts of its interior. But some 30 per cent of its components are completely new, such as a re-engineered chassis, interior revision, a new battery pack and a higher capacity regenerative braking system. The vehicle is available as a small panel van or a Combi version with a back row of seats, which works well as a taxi.

The Nissan e-NV200 could work well for businesses and taxi firms operating in cities and towns. It has a claimed range of 106 miles, which should be adequate for city based firms, and the battery can be recharged in 8 hours using a domestic 16-amp single-phase 3.3kW charger. If the optional 6.6kW/32-amp charger is fitted, it takes four hours.

Alternatively, a dedicated CHAdeMO DC 50kW quick charger can recharge the battery to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes. This would be a good option for certain businesses to install as they could charge the van while it is being loaded or unloaded.

The panel van version offers the same load practicality as a conventional small van. It has a cargo area which is identical to NV200 at 4.2 cubic metres. It has sliding side doors on both sides and wide opening rear doors, with a top hinged single rear door also an option.

What’s more, the silent motor and lack of tailpipe fumes means deliveries can be made in the dead of night and even inside shopping or business centres without being a disturbance.

Low running costs
Running costs stack up well for the e-NV200. Without engine oil, belts, gearbox or clutch there are fewer parts to be checked or replaced, which makes planned maintenance costs 40 per cent lower. Fuel costs are also significantly lower, with the vehicle costing 2 pence per mile, Nissan claims.

The e-NV200 also reduces some unplanned elements of running a fleet as it has no engine oil to warm up, gears to crunch or clutch to slip, the potential for wear caused by unsympathetic driving is reduced. As it’s electric, the vehicle is exempt from BIK tax until the end of the 2014/15 financial year and are also VED and London Congestion Charge exempt.

Smooth operator
The e-NV200 is a pleasure to drive. It’s silent and vibration free, with instant torque from the moment you pull off. It’s incredibly simple to drive as well, with no gears to change – just ‘D’ for drive and ‘R’ for reverse. The reverse camera is a particularly helpful tool as visibility in vans can sometimes be a problem.

Fleet trials and orders
Before the launch of the e-NV200, Nissan gave pre‑production models to a handful of customers to trial, including British Gas. This has resulted in the firm ordering 100 vehicles. What’s more, the city of Barcelona – where the e-NV200s will be made for the global market –  will be the first in the world to use the e-NV200 as part of its taxi fleet.

Price
With the government incentive, the e-NV200 van costs £16,562.20. Take the battery lease option and you’ll pay £13,393 plus £61 per month instead. For the Combi five-seater you’ll pay £22,859 after the grant or with the battery lease option, £17,855 plus £61 per month.