A new electric van is to start courier duties this week, as Nissan delivers a prototype NV200 EV to FedEx as part of a two month trial of the vehicle taking part in London.
The trial will aim to assess how well the electric van can cope with the rigours of the job as a courier vehicle.
The Nissan NV200 EV prototype uses the same EV powertrain and battery originally developed for Nissan’s Leaf model-its first production electric car. To date Nissan already sold more than 20,000 Leafs, making it the best-selling all-electric car across the globe.
Beth Galetti, vice president of Planning and Engineering, FedEx Express said: “FedEx is proud to collaborate with Nissan on this initiative. Our cross-sector approach to reduce dependence on petroleum, reduce carbon impact and eliminate tailpipe emissions remains unwavering. At FedEx, we seek to connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways and we will continue to work closely with Nissan to change what is possible.”
FedEx Express currently operates 43 all-electric vehicles in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Memphis- all of which are ideally suited dense urban centres. With no tailpipe emissions, and energy-recycling regenerative braking, the Nissan NV200 EV prototype is well-suited for congested city streets where poor air quality is a concern. Battery charging options include a complete recharge overnight or up to 80 per cent capacity in just 30 minutes using a quick charger.
Nissan aims to become the global leader in electric vehicles and aims to expand the use of its zero emission technology to the LCV and business-to-business markets.
Additional trials are anticipated for 2012 mirroring similar trials held in 2011, where the NV200 EV prototype was used by the Japan Post Service on delivery and collection duties in Japan.
