Nissan hosted the premiere of the final production version of the its electric van, the e-NV200 at the Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle combines the all-electric, battery-powered drivetrain from the Nissan Leaf with the cargo volume from the NV200, delivering a 170km (105.6 miles) NEDC homologated driving range.

The e-NV200 features 30 percent new components over the conventionally-powered NV200, and that is reflected in its styling as well. The most obvious visual difference between e-NV200 and regular NV200 models is the adoption of Nissan’s EV “face”, familiar from Nissan Leaf. The central charging doors and unique blue tinted LED headlights give a modern look and distinct identity from its ICE sibling.

Inside there’s a new instrument panel with a digital read out, while the gear selector has a simplified look and feel – shifting like a conventional automatic rather than the computer-style joystick of Leaf.

Besides visual changes, the differences between e-NV200 and NV200 include a re-engineered chassis, interior revisions, a new battery pack and a higher capacity regenerative braking system, among others.

The Nissan e-NV200 is powered by an 80kW (107.2HP) AC synchronous motor, fully integrated with the battery charger and inverter in one compact, self-contained unit. The Lithium-ion battery has been changed to allow it to fit under e-NV200’s floor without compromising the cargo area. The battery has the same number of modules (48) as in the Leaf and the same 24kWh capacity, but is packaged differently.

Charging time takes a night using a domestic 16-amp single-phase 3.3 kW supply, but it is reduced to four hours if a 6.6kW/32-amp supply is used. A dedicated CHAdeMO DC 50 kW quick charger can recharge the battery from 0-80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Nissan says the e-NV200 goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) quicker than the 1.5 dCi-powered NV200, but final figures will be confirmed later this year. The Nissan e-NV200 for Europe will be assembled in Barcelona and will be on sale from June as a van or as a five-seat people carrier in Combi or more luxurious Evalia guises.

By Dan Mihalascu

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