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Nissan to Build Electric Van in 2013

The Leafy-looking high-top van will likely go on sale in the U.S.

By Clifford Atiyeh May 24, 2012 8:54AM
Nissan e-NV200 (c) NissanNissan will produce an electric version of its New York City "Taxi of Tomorrow" van next year, the company announced Wednesday.

The NV200, a stubby, high-top compact van chosen by the city last year to be its official taxi, is typical of the slim-bodied vans used by families and businesses in Japan. The electric e-NV200, sporting a Leaf-like nose, will offer "similar performance" and range to the Leaf but with dual sliding doors.

Nissan said it has several prototypes running around Europe, but would not confirm if the electric van would come to the U.S.  Considering that Ford is now selling the Transit Connect Electric, which has a range between 50 to 80 miles, Nissan will probably jump at the chance.

Inside, the 5-passenger van features what appears to be a touch-capacitive dash, compared with the Leaf's squarer panel with plastic buttons on U.S. models. The seats also appear to be mounted high above the floor, likely to accommodate the battery pack (as the Leaf does) in front. Nissan did not provide further specifications, production volumes or prices.

Nissan e-NV200 (c) NissanNissan e-NV200 (c) Nissan[Source: Nissan.]
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18Comments
maccdaddy
May 28, 2012 8:00PM
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frostyross, finally something we agree on. This thing is butt ugly!
Andel11
May 25, 2012 9:39AM
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Actualy not too bad until you reach the B pillar. Rework the back end so it doesn't look like an Astro Van from 15 years ago and I think it might appeal more to the American market in general. Rims need to be changed and the center console as well. Sorry Nissan, just because you can make your center console look like an iPad doesn't mean you should. Nobody likes fumbling with small touchscreen buttons while driving a van. However all things considered I agree with 4Progress and Surf Dog; if the price is right it's a smart move.
4Progress
May 25, 2012 6:01AM
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Hate all you want anyone with a decent education knows that the future is with three things; space, internet, and alternative fuel.
Stefano4x
May 24, 2012 3:25PM
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Could it be any UGLIER ?   I'd rather see something US built rather than some Japanese piece of **** !!!!!!!!!!!  Come on Detroit,  let's build something that keeps NYC buying local instead of Rice-Crap !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!
Surf Dog
May 24, 2012 10:40AM
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This is such a smart move for Nissan.  NYC should offer them as Taxis.

 

Can you imagine all of the Taxis in NYC being Polution Free!!!

 

HMMM; how about all the taxis in the world????

 

Then there are the UPS trucks???

frostyross
May 24, 2012 9:40AM
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It should come standard with limo tinting on the windows because I sure as heck would not want to be seen in it! Good Lord it's ugly.
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