Nissan breaks ‘electric van towing record’ by moving a house with new e-NV200 all-electric van

This week, Nissan launched the new e-NV200 all-electric van using the same new 40 kWh battery pack introduced in the next generation Leaf.

To showcase the new vehicle, Nissan had it attempt to break the “electric van towing record” by moving a house.

Of course, it’s not like there are many electric vans out there to break the record and to be fair, it was only a stunt since the e-NV200’s actual towing capacity is 430 kg (950 lbs).

The had to fit the van with a special new towbar to support the trailer carrying the house.

Nonetheless, it was an interesting showcase of the new electric van and the new EV ecosystem with a vehicle-to-grid and home battery system that Nissan unveiled with it.

Actress Margot Robbie, Nissan’s new ambassador for electric vehicles and Intelligent Mobility, made a video about the stunt and the new Leaf/e-NV200:

https://youtu.be/xF3ga6yEzoo

If anything, it made for some very cool shots of the two new electric vehicles:

As for the new electric van itself, Nissan says that the new 40 kWh battery enables a 60% increase in range for up to 280 km (174 miles) on a single charge.

Though as usual, that’s NEDC-rate range and the real-world range is expected to be just a little less impressive.

Regardless, the vehicle is positioned as a zero-emission solution for urban driving and therefore, it doesn’t need much more than that.

Gareth Dunsmore, Electric Vehicle Director, Nissan Europe, said about the vehicle:

‘With its longer range and excellent cargo capacity, the new e-NV200 is the perfect last mile delivery solution for urban deliveries and collections. Given the huge impact that business deliveries/collections and professional drivers have on air quality and traffic congestion, especially in city centres, helping cut the level of CO₂ emissions they create is a vital part of creating a more sustainable future.’

Previous versions of Nissan’s electric van have also been popular with taxi operators for the same reasons.

The e-NV200 is equipped with a 80 kW (109 hp) electric motor and it is available with DC fast-charging capacity (50 kW) depending on the trim.

In the UK, The van starts at a price of ~£24,000 (~$32,000 USD).

Here are a few pictures that Nissan released with the launch earlier this week: