The NV200 EV will be used by FedEx Express on a two-month trial in London

Nissan is beginning a two-month trial of a prototype electric version of its NV200 van in London. The van will be used for urban deliveries and collections by  FedEx Express, the courier company.

The NV200 EV uses the same powertrain as the Nissan Leaf electric car, which has already sold more than 20,000 units around the globe and was the world’s all-electric mass-market car.

As an all-electric vehicle, it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge and the more stringent 2012 Low Emission Zone requirements; it is zero emission at the tailpipe.

FedEx Express currently operates 43 all-electric vehicles in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Memphis- all of which are ideal dense urban centres.

With zero emissions, no tailpipe, and energy-recycling regenerative braking, the Nissan NV200 EV prototype is particularly well-suited for congested city streets where poor air quality is causing increased concern and the start and stop of city traffic reduces the wasteful loss of energy and thus increases the efficiency of the vehicle’s driveline. Battery charging options include a complete recharge overnight or up to 80 per cent capacity in just 30 minutes using a Quick Charger.

Nissan is aiming to become a world leader in electric vehicles and has already trialled the NV200 EV on postal deliveries for the Japan Post Service.