Nissan e-NV200 Concept Makes World Debut @ Detroit [video]

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept makes its world debut today at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, which is available in Japan, Europe and China, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle. It is designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.

"The Nissan e-NV200 serves as further evidence of Nissan's leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry," said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "As a potential mass production vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles."
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF with payload and cargo space similar to the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.

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 wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue–accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. 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 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 shares its major drivetrain components with the 2012 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. 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.