e-NV200: IN DETAIL

2014/06/23

e-NV200: IN DETAIL

Against a backdrop of increasing city centre pollution levels, the time is right for a zero-emission delivery vehicle

• Marriage of proven EV technology and practicality...
• ... but with more than 30 percent unique elements
• Available as a panel van or passenger vehicle
• Easy -­ and relaxing ­- to drive

Although based on significant elements of two award-winning vehicles - the electric drivetrain of Nissan LEAF and the architecture of Nissan NV200 - e-NV200 is a model in its own right, with unique parts accounting for more than 30 percent of its make up.

And while the overall silhouette is naturally similar to NV200, e-NV200 has its own distinctive look, blending the practicality of the award-winning LCV with the futuristic style of Nissan LEAF. The result is modern and advanced, active and functional.

Proven, too. Before it has been brought to market, e-NV200 underwent a vast ‘real-world' testing programme in Japan and Europe with pre-production models handed over to internationally known companies ­ including FedEx, Coca Cola, DHL, British Gas, and the Japan Post Office - for them to operate as part of their everyday fleets.

The independent feedback from this evaluation process has enabled Nissan engineers to fine-tune the production version to ensure that it fulfils customer requirements as completely as possible.

The Nissan e-NV200 is available either a light commercial panel van or as a five-seat passenger vehicle in Combi and more luxurious Evalia guises.

Exterior

The most notable changes come at the front, where e-NV200 adopts Nissan's "EV face" as pioneered on LEAF, a change which adds 160 mm to the overall length of the vehicle. A flat underfloor contributes to e-NV200's enhanced aerodynamics.

In the centre of the van's nose, underneath the familiar Nissan badge, is the charging door. Behind this lies the EV socket which automatically locks the power lead in place when charging to prevent unauthorised tampering.

Distinctive blue-tinted arrow-shaped positioning/daylight running lamps can be found within the sleeker headlamps, which also feature the ice blue colour immediately associated with Nissan's EV programme. It's a theme that's repeated on the badges and on Nissan's "Zero Emission" graphics on the side of the vehicle. Passenger versions of e-NV200 feature low energy LED lamps at the front while all models use LEDs within the clear rear light lenses.

To accommodate the 40 mm wider front track required by the electric powertrain/chassis assembly provided by the LEAF, e-NV200 has more pronounced wheel arches and an extended sill. Overall width increases by 60mm to 1755 mm, but in all other respects the body is identical to NV200. That means practical twin sliding side doors and double side-hinged rear doors to make loading and unloading as easy as possible. A top hinged single rear door is also available.

Other exterior differences between the electric and petrol/diesel versions include a move to 15-inch wheels from 14-inch with new alloy and wheel cover designs. There is also a fresh new colour palette - there are eight shades on passenger versions and six available on the van - which includes a striking new colour called Splash Blue, an updated version of the now iconic blue colour first seen on Nissan LEAF.

Interior

Like the exterior, the interior of e-NV200 introduces elements of Nissan's EV leadership into the practical surroundings of an award-winning light commercial vehicle.

The most notable difference is the revised instrument panel which uses LED displays to deliver vital information to the driver. A digital speedometer dominates the gauge with three EV essential displays underneath: a power meter, showing power consumption and state of energy regeneration, a battery discharge meter and a state of charge meter, giving an indication of available range.

In addition, a scrolling multi-function display gives an economy read-out along with battery state of charge, overall and trip mileages and tyre pressures as well as date, time and outside temperature. It also includes a battery long-term state of health meter.

Warning lights include a battery temperature indicator with an amber warning of high temperature, which turns, to blue at low temperatures.

The equipment available on e-NV200 is reminiscent of a passenger car, bringing features like automatic headlights and wipers and allying them with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, all accessed with a convenient i-key. The new key even allows remote starting of the climate control system to cool or heat the cabin before beginning a journey.

A new electric air conditioning system has been optimised for an LCV that is regularly stopping and starting over its operating cycle. The system incorporates pre-heating control, which can be remotely operated via a smartphone, while seat and steering wheel heating is also provided.

Rear heating ducts are provided in passenger models while in van versions without a solid bulkhead between cabin and cargo area, a full-length flexible curtain prevents wastage by containing heat in the cabin area.

In warmer weather a new ventilation mode switches off both the air conditioning system and the heater to provide natural ventilation and window demisting with no electrical consumption which, in turn, benefits the vehicle range.

A high seating position gives a commanding driving position which when combined with e-NV200's natural agility and compact dimensions makes negotiating congested city streets as painless as possible.

Shoulder room in the cabin is a match for all its rivals despite the narrower body while cockpit roominess is enhanced by the positioning of the gear lever which sits in the dashboard rather than between the front seats.

Practical features include new cup holders capable of holding a 500 ml plastic bottle as well as ample storage slots for small items.

Thanks to a revised battery pack located under the vehicle floor within the 2725mm wheelbase, e-NV200 retains NV200's class leading cargo space. Despite its overall size, e-NV200 has the available cargo space expected from a much larger van.

The load bay is an impressive 2.04 m long - extendable to 2.8 m with the bulkhead removed and the passenger seat folded flat - and even at its narrowest point, between the wheel arches, the floor is 1.22 m wide.

It has the lowest loading height in its class, just 524 mm from ground level while the payload is 770 kg and the vehicle can carry two standard Euro pallets.

Motor and battery

The Nissan e-NV200 is powered by the acclaimed Nissan-developed high response AC synchronous motor from Nissan LEAF. Developing 80kW and 254Nm of torque, it is powered by a 48 module compact lithium-ion battery pack.

Battery cells are made by Nissan in the UK and then shipped to Spain where they are assembled into a bespoke battery pack designed to fit beneath the vehicle floor so as not to encroach on cargo space.

For full details on the e-powertrain, please see the chapter: Motor and battery.

Chassis

With the Nissan LEAF front-wheel drive e-powertrain comes its front subframe assembly, incorporating independent MacPherson strut suspension with a front track of 1530 mm, wider by 40 mm than NV200. The turning circle is 11.2 m, the same as NV200 despite the wider track.

At the rear, e-NV200 uses the compact single leaf sprung suspension system found in NV200. This provides the strength needed for a light commercial vehicle, but not at the expense of ride comfort, and which also permits a clear, wide load bay.

Thanks to the vehicle's low centre of gravity, helped significantly by the weight and location of the battery pack beneath the vehicle floor, e-NV200 offers levels of handling seldom ­- if ever - found in a light commercial vehicle.

It has low levels of pitch and yaw inertia and reduced body roll while greater body stiffness, a by-product of the integrated battery casing, results in high levels of ride comfort and refinement. Allied to the near silent and vibration free electric motor, e-NV200 drives more like a luxury limousine than a practical working vehicle.

Enhancements to the co-operative regenerative braking system (CRBS) means they are more progressive in use and thanks to the addition of software called Pedal Feel Simulator (PFS) they keep the same pedal feel as conventional brakes even when regenerative braking is in operation.

CRBS regains maximum energy by harvesting both regenerative braking torque (electrical energy) and friction braking torque (thermal energy) to provide a 14 percent gain in the braking system regenerative capability.

Safety

The Nissan e-NV200 has the same high levels of occupant safety as NV200 along with enhanced pedestrian protection thanks to the 160 mm extended nose. Seatbelts have pretensioners and there's a full front SRS airbag system. The side body structure has been strengthened for optimum impact dispersion.

As well as being enclosed in a study metal casing, the battery and vehicle electrical systems have shut-off sensors automatically triggered in the event of an impact.

One aspect of active safety is covered by the fitment of Hill Start Assist. As the single-speed transmission means just two pedals, a heavily laden vehicle on a steep gradient could move backwards in the split second it takes for the driver to move his foot from brake to throttle.

To counter this, Hill Start Assist automatically keeps the brakes applied for 3 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, thus ensuring the vehicle will not accidently slip backwards.