Nissan unveiled their all-new 100% electric Panel Van version e-NV200 Concept, decorated with Nissan and FedEx graphics and logos, this week at the 64th IAA Commercial Vehicle International Motor Show in Hanover.
Nissan has been working with FedEx Express since December 2011 to test the e-NV200 in real world operations to help shape development of the 100% electric compact delivery vehicle. FedEx Express currently operates 130 all-electric vehicles worldwide in several configurations including step vans and larger, making the company an ideal collaborator for this research and development initiative.
Estimates from the research firm Frost and Sullivan suggest the global market demand for light duty electric commercial delivery vehicles in Europe and North America will be in the area of 200,000 by 2016. The largest demand is thought to be in Europe where the motivation to find cheaper alternatives to oil and gas, address environmental issues along with greater governmental support and incentives is driving commercial operators to embrace the electric commercial delivery van faster than in the US.
In the period from now until 2016, over 80% of that demand will be in Europe or 8-10% of the light duty truck market. Therefore the primary development of the all electric light duty commercial van has focused in Europe.
Nissan is now in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emission vehicle (Nissan LEAF was the first), the e-NV200 compact van. Electric vehicles are ideal for urban delivery applications, and this vehicle is envisaged for use as a delivery van that offers a breakthrough type of mobility for all types of business from entrepreneurs to parcel delivery giants like FedEx, featuring efficiency and green consciousness.
FedEx Express is strongly committed to improving the environmental impact of its global vehicle fleet. The FedEx Express fleet is managed through a holistic approach to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions; the company has already achieved more than 80% of its goal to increase the fuel efficiency of its global vehicle fleet 20% by 2020. This collaborative initiative with Nissan will assist FedEx with developing best practices for managing its electric vehicle fleet in urban environments, while supporting the development of innovative technologies for overall industry improvement in efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Nissan and FedEx Express engineers started working together in December 2011 by co-testing the e-NV200 prototype on the streets of London, UK. The test recently expanded to Yokohama, Japan, in order to obtain additional real-world driving feedback. The feedback will help Nissan to meet customer requirements in advance of the start of production, expected to commence in fiscal year (FY) 2013. Going forward, the proving tests will be newly expanded to countries such as the US and also Singapore and Brazil.
The market for all electric light duty commercial vans in the US is continuing to evolve and demand may well accelerate which is why both Nissan and Ford are also addressing the US by offering their respective "Euro" style vans in all electric configurations. Ford already has their Transit Connect electric available in the US. It is configured for them through Azure Dynamics and distributed through certified Ford dealers. Nissan has not yet announced an availability for the US market.
As the second of four electric vehicles (EV) announced by Nissan to reach mass production, the e-NV200 will be the underlining Nissan's leadership in the EV segment. The e-NV200 combines the advanced power train of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF with all the spaciousness, versatility, and practicality of the base vehicle-the NV200 multi-purpose compact van.
The e-NV200 will provide exceptionally smooth acceleration and quietness (driving characteristics are unique to electric vehicles) while keeping CO2 emissions zero at the point of use. Additionally, the model will be unique in offering new features, such as quick charging, and an innovative power outlet that enables the driver to plug in any electric device and work anywhere.
Its advanced telematics system, combined with class-leading cargo volume in a compact body, will help the e-NV200 strive to reach its goal to become the industry benchmark. Additionally, the model's enviable running costs - a priority for many companies - offer additional energy cost savings compared to fuel cost and lower maintenance costs.
With zero emissions, no tailpipe, and energy-recycling regenerative braking, e-NV200 will be particularly well-suited for urban environments. Regenerative braking affords the advantage of reclaiming energy in the start and stop of city traffic, reducing the wasteful loss of energy and increasing the efficiency of the vehicle's driveline. Battery charging options include a complete recharge overnight or up to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes using a Quick Charger.
"As a global fleet operator, FedEx Express is always looking for measures to improve the efficiency of its vehicles," said Russell Musgrove, managing director Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "Through the development and deployment of innovative technologies, FedEx Express has continually improved the energy efficiency and reduced the environmental impact of its fleet. We are delighted to collaborate with a global player like Nissan in the development of an urban all-electric delivery van."
As part of their commitment for sustainability FedEx, in the US, has also been working with Smith Electric, a US based manufacturer of electric vehicles to develop and test the Smith Newton Step Van for the larger vehicle requirements of the general urban and rural markets in the US with an all electric vehicle. The Nissan e-NV200 development and possible future deployment by FedEx would enable them to address the congested highly urbanized business centers with a this more versatile and mobile vehicle while covering the larger markets with zero emission vehicles as well.
Nissan aims to be the leader in zero emissions vehicles. In addition to carrying out the development of electric vehicles, the company is engaged in comprehensive efforts to expand the use of electric vehicles and promote sustainable mobility. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has already concluded more than 100 partnerships related to zero emission mobility with national and local governments, and corporations, throughout the world. Nissan is also engaged in related efforts such as producing lithium ion batteries; developing the EV charging infrastructure and proprietary speed charging equipment; and the recycling and reuse of batteries.
For additional information on the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, please visit www.env200.com.
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