e-NV200: The Business User

2014/06/11

e-NV200: The Business User 

Companies running e-NV200 stand to enjoy substantial benefits at the same time as improving city centre air quality

• Total cost of ownership benefits over a conventional van
• Image boost for EV committed companies
• EV drivers enjoy less stressful journeys
• Go anywhere, any time for the ultimate business efficiency

With no loss of cargo capacity over NV200 and the added benefit of zero-emission mobility, the business case for e-NV200 is already strong. But its attractiveness to business users does not stop at its ability to make a significant positive contribution to air and noise quality in our city centres.

Whether running a single example or a fleet of e-NV200s, a business stands to enjoy substantial cost savings, greater efficiencies, happier workers and even an improved public image.

The total running costs for an e-NV200 are likely to be meaningfully lower than for a conventional vehicle of a similar size. With most European governments keen to encourage the growth of zero-emission mobility, there are a wide variety of incentives available to buyers ready to make the switch.

Some of these incentives are financial, such as purchase grants, low or no taxes, free access to congestion charge zones and free parking for EVs.

These monetary gains combine with a 40 percent reduction in maintenance costs - an EV also has far fewer moving parts than a conventionally powered vehicle. The e-NV200 has no engine oil, fewer filters, no belts and no clutch to replace or inspect, while the brake pads can last much longer due to the regenerative braking effect. One taxi user in Denmark has found that one set of brake pads on their Nissan LEAF lasted for 140,000 km, a huge distance for a commercial user.

As well as planned maintenance, the e-NV200 reduces some unplanned elements of running a fleet with no engine oil to warm up, gears to crunch or clutch to slip, the potential for wear caused by unsympathetic driving is reduced.

This complements a reduction in fuelling costs with 100 km costing three or four times less in e-NV200 than an equivalent diesel vehicle. With many countries offering incentives to install renewable energy installations, companies may also choose to "make" their own fuel with a solar, wind or biomass energy plant, further reducing costs.

But it's not all about money. Some incentives are practical, such as access to areas of the city from which conventionally powered vehicles are banned. The noiseless motor, meanwhile, means deliveries can be made at any time of day - in the dead of night and inside shopping malls or business centres if needs be - without disturbing residents... a real boost to business efficiency.

Happy and relaxed workers also mean greater efficiencies. Driving a conventionally powered van can often be tiring as the constant gear changing, engine noise and vibrations combine to assault the senses. In e-NV200, however, there are no such problems. There's no noise from the electric motor and a complete lack of vibrations too.

The combination of brisk acceleration and the absence of a manual gearbox, meanwhile, make driving a pleasure. Add in a commanding driving position, exceptional ride comfort and great handling and drivers are likely to be fighting for the chance to drive e-NV200 over other vehicles in the fleet.

Another benefit to be considered by fleet operators is the positive boost their image is likely to gain from running an electric vehicle. With discreet but instantly recognisable badging on view, the public will be left in no doubt that the vehicle in front is a 100 percent emission-free EV - a smart business decision.