FedEx Express runs second trial with all-electric Nissan
FedEx Express is running its second trial with an all-electric commercial vehicle from Nissan from this month in Yokohama, Japan. The e-NV200 is being used as a delivery vehicle for about a month, and will then be evaluated for its potential to operate in the delivery of international air cargo, Nissan said.
The trial follows a similar exercise with the vehicle in London at the end of 2011.
The e-NV200 is based on Nissan’s NV200 commercial vehicle launched in 2009 and now sold in 40 countries around the world, but uses the all-electric drivetrain used in Nissan’s popular LEAF hatchback electric car.
The Japanese manufacturer boasts that its electric vehicle offers the spaciousness and practicality of its NV200 van, but with the smooth acceleration, quiet driving and zero tailpipe emissions of the LEAF.
It also describes the cost of ownership as “enviable” – the upfront cost of buying electric vehicles is seen as a key barrier to wider ownership by logistics companies. The LEAF vehicle starts at $27,550 for individual sales in the United States.
Nissan has already road-tested the e-NV200 with several other major fleet companies this year, and said the testing will be reflected in the development of future production models.
Masamichi Ujiie, North Pacific regional vice president for FedEx Express, said his company was gradually shifting its delivery fleet to more efficient vehicles and increasing its investment in all-electric and alternative drivetrain vehicles.
“We value this opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to the development of the e-NV200,” said Ujiie. “FedEx is committed to delivering highly reliable service to our customers in an environmentally responsible way.”
