|
Resources
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes its 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. |
|
|
|
"With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no
emissions' powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet,
comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile,
functional interior space within a compact overall body length," said
Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "A
potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity
will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload
and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The
production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at
private users or families in major regions." |
As a potential mass production vehicle,
Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs
compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.
"A vehicle like the Nissan e-NV200
Concept would energise the current compact van market in more ways than
one - helping improve the quality of urban life and providing a smart
financial investment for large and small businesses alike," Murakami
added.
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 organisation
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 customised colour,
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 coloured accents and bright interior colour palette,
while also retaining the NV200's strong functional feeling. The 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.
"The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a
standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan
LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form," said
Murakami. "Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an
EV feel and an easy-operational interface."
Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its
major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.
Silent, zero emission power is supplied
by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a
high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm 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 fulfil 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.
|
|
Register for our
free Newsletter
|
|
