Produced alongside the petrol and diesel versions at Nissan’s factory in Barcelona, the e-NV200 has been developed and modified in line with the feedback from real-world tests conducted in Europe, Japan and North America. Participants have included FedEx, Coca-Cola, DHL, IKEA, British Gas, EDF and the Japan Post Office. 

It offers a 106-mile range, said to be greater than the 62-mile distance covered by over half of fleets using other vans in its class, and matches the load volume and payload of the NV200, capable of carrying two Euro pallets with sliding doors each side and wide opening rear doors for easy loading.

The bodyshell is similar to the NV200’s, but with a modified front end treatment and reinforced battery compartment under the cargo area, while the drivetrain and front suspension are shared with the LEAF, though using a more conventional automatic gearstick and reshaped battery. Differences also include a more powerful regenerative braking function, designed to capture more energy in the predominantly urban duty cycles the van is expected to cover.

Charging ports are located under a flap at the front of the van, allowing 16 and 32-amp charging suitable for most wallboxes and taking either four hours or overnight to reach full capacity. Nissan has also equipped the e-NV200 with DC rapid charging, via a CHAdeMO port, which can achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes – a feature which enables drivers to use the Electric Highway points along the UK's major motorway routes as well as at their own facilities.

Sales begin in June, offered in Combi and passenger car Evalia guises, and Nissan says the e-NV200 is targeting not only running cost reductions for business fleets but will also be aiming for private buyers with large families. The e-NV200 will also form the basis of an electric Taxi for London due to launch in 2015.