Nissan starts production of e-NV200 electric LEAF-based van

Nissan has started production on the second all-electric vehicle in its lineup, the e-NV200 electric cargo van. The van is being produced at Nissan's Barcelona, Spain plant for global export in both cargo and taxi cab configurations.

The e-NV200 shares the drivetrain of the Nissan LEAF electric car. Production on the van began Monday and the first e-NV200 rolled off the line that day. The van will be exported to twenty international markets, including Japan, the U.S., and much of Europe, expanding as demand allows. This continues Nissan's sustained EV expansion globally as part of their overall corporate growth plan.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Chief Planning Officer Andy Palmer hosted the VIP guests at an event announcing the e-NV200's production, adding: "This is a great landmark day for Nissan, starting production of our second electric vehicle. This is at a time when EVs are now recognized as mainstream technology. Many competitors are only just starting to launch their first EV – where Nissan has clear first mover advantage. We're proud that the Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling electric vehicle with more than 110,000 delighted customers enjoying the quiet and smooth ride of an EV."

Barcelona will be the first city in the world to introduce the e-NV200 as a 100 percent electric taxi, an initiative Palmer believes is vital for the city, continuing: "This e-NV200 taxi has renewed significance in the wake of record levels of air pollution in London and Paris. Bringing a significant number of zero emission vehicles to Barcelona's streets will ensure cleaner air for every citizen, visitor and tourist, and we're confident that forward-thinking councils everywhere will be clamoring to bring these benefits to their municipalities in the coming years."