The Nissan e-NV200 7-seater still leaves ample luggage room behind the third row of seats. Both rows can be folded out of the way.

I’ve written about the popular and successful Nissan e-NV200 electric van quite a bit on this website.

Nissan has now announced that this model will also be available in 7-seat people carrier/minibus format from this summer.

It’s already available as a 5-seater Combi, but the new model – the world’s first pure electric seven seater – is being introduced in response to huge interest from fleet operators and larger families. They’re keen to capitalise on the market-leading e-NV200’s low running and maintenance costs and zero emissions performance.

Private hire companies and shuttle services in particular have been keen to see its introduction since the e-NV200 was launched last year. This isn’t a surprise when you consider that the e-NV200 has a range of 106 miles and fuel costs from just 2p per mile, according to the manufacturer’s figures.

Nissan estimates that the total cost of ownership of an e-NV200 could be £2,500 lower than an equivalent diesel model over three years, based on a driving cycle of 20,000 miles per year — or 79 miles per day. Urban taxi, anyone?

Prices start at £19,895 (incorporating the Government Plug-In Car Grant) for those choosing the convenience of the Nissan Flex battery leasing option and from £23,400 (inc PiCG) for those purchasing outright.

At the same time, the e-NV200 line-up will be further strengthened with the addition of a new ‘Evalia’ version available in five and seven-seat form – offering a ‘full trim’ option for the ultimate combination of technology, style, sophistication and comfort.

The developments mean the e-NV200 will be available as a panel van, five or seven-seat Combi, or five or seven-seat Evalia – giving customers the freedom to specify a vehicle that best suits their lifestyle or business requirements.