FedEx Express and Nissan have announced that they will expand their cooperative testing of the 100per cent electric Nissan e-NV200 to new global markets in Asia and South America.
Nissan yesterday unveiled the all-new 100 per cent electric Panel Van version e-NV200Concept, decorated with Nissan and FedEx graphics and logos, at the 64th IAA Commercial VehicleInternational Motor Show in Hanover, Germany.
Nissan said it is in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emissionvehicle, the e-NV200 compact van. Electric vehicles are ideal for urban delivery applications, andthis vehicle is envisaged for use as a delivery van that offers a breakthrough type of mobility forentrepreneurs, featuring efficiency and green consciousness.
The company has been working with FedEx Express since December 2011 to test the e-NV200 inreal world operations to help shape development of the 100 per cent electric compact deliveryvehicle. FedEx Express currently operates 130 all-electric vehicles worldwide, making the companyan ideal collaborator for this research and development initiative.
Nissan and FedEx Express engineers started working together in December 2011 by co-testingthe 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 tomeet customer requirements in advance of the start of production, expected to commence in fiscalyear (FY) 2013. Going forward, the proving tests will be newly expanded to countries such asSingapore, the USA and Brazil.
In addition to the cooperative testing, both companies have decided to continue theirparticipation in the research and development of the urban parcel delivery vehicle and relatedsoftware.
FedEx Express said it is strongly committed to improving the environmental impact of itsglobal vehicle fleet. The FedEx Express fleet is managed through a holistic approach to increasefuel efficiency and reduce emissions; the company has already achieved more than 80 per cent of itsgoal to increase the fuel efficiency of its global vehicle fleet 20 per cent by 2020. Thiscollaborative initiative with Nissan will assist FedEx with developing best practices for managingits electric vehicle fleet in urban environments, while supporting the development of innovativetechnologies for overall industry improvement in efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Nissan plans to roll out zero emission technologies into its LCV line-up. The e-NV200 will bethe second of four electric vehicles (EV) announced by Nissan to reach mass production, underliningNissan’s leadership in the EV segment. The e-NV200 combines the advanced powertrain of the 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF with all the spaciousness, versatility, and practicality of the basevehicle—the NV200 multi-purpose compact van.
The e-NV200 will provide exceptionally smooth acceleration and quietness (drivingcharacteristics are unique to electric vehicles) while keeping CO2 emissions zero at the point ofuse. Additionally, the model will be unique in offering new features, such as quick charging, andan innovative power outlet that enables the driver to plug in any electric device and workanywhere. Its advanced telematics system, combined with class-leading cargo volume in a compactbody, 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 additionalenergy cost savings compared to fuel cost and lower maintenance costs, according to Nissan.
“As a global fleet operator, FedEx Express is always looking for measures to improve theefficiency of its vehicles,” said Russell Musgrove, managing director Global Vehicles, FedExExpress. “Through the development and deployment of innovative technologies, FedEx Expresshas 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 urbanall-electric delivery van.”
With zero emissions, no tailpipe, and energy-recycling regenerative braking, e-NV200 will beparticularly well-suited for urban environments. Regenerative breaking affords the advantageof reclaiming energy in the start and stop of city traffic, reducing the wasteful loss of energyand increasing the efficiency of the vehicle’s driveline. Battery charging options include acomplete recharge overnight or up to 80 per cent capacity in just 30 minutes using a Quick Charger.
“The e-NV200 will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditionaldiesel or gas-powered compact van, but with zero CO2 or other pollutant emissions at the point ofuse. What’s more, it will provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EVs. e-NV200represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one ofthe broadest of any manufacturer,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan MotorCo., Ltd.
Nissan aims to be the leader in zero emissions vehicles. In addition to carrying out thedevelopment of electric vehicles, the company is engaged in comprehensive efforts to expand the useof electric vehicles and promote sustainable mobility. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has alreadyconcluded more than 100 partnerships related to zero emission mobility with national and localgovernments, and corporations, throughout the world. Nissan is also engaged in related efforts suchas producing lithium ion batteries; developing the EV charging infrastructure and proprietary speedcharging equipment; and the recycling and reuse of batteries.
