FedEx to Begin U.S. Testing of Nissan's e-NV200 Electric Delivery Van

RAYNHAM, MASS. (10/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Nissan is hard at work putting the final touches on its all-electric compact panel van, the e-NV200, and who better to test the all-new vehicle than one of the biggest delivery companies in the world: FedEx. Since December 2011, Nissan and FedEx have been working in tandem to test a fleet of the new electric vans, first in London and then in Yokohama, Japan. Next year, the two companies will bring testing to the United States.

Based on the gas-powered vehicle that will soon take over as the Taxi of Tomorrow in New York City, the NV200, the e-NV200 pulls from the parts bin of the electric Nissan Leaf to provide fuel-free transport that is suitable for urban delivery routes. While the e-NV200 features a battery pack that can recharge to 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes using a Quick Charger, it can also regain electricity in stop-and-start traffic using regenerative braking.

"Nissan has positioned itself as a world leader in electric vehicles, and the FedEx testing with the e-NV200 will give them the information they need to bring their innovation over to the commercial sector," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Raynham, MA Nissan dealership. "I can think of so many smaller businesses in Massachusetts that could really benefit from the e-NV200 as they try to reduce their overhead costs and environmental impact while transporting gear or goods locally."

Car buyers that want to lower their costs during everyday driving should note that the 2012 Nissan Leaf was recently ranked at number one on the Top 10 Cars for Commuting list from TotalCarScore.com. The automotive website scores vehicles based on evaluations from respected industry sources like Edmunds.com, MSN Autos, US News & World Report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

TotalCarScore.com compiled its Top 10 Cars for Commuting list based on its own Total Car Score, along with fuel-economy ratings in city-driving conditions. With a Total Car Score of 78.76 and a 106 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating in the city, the Nissan Leaf handily bested the competition, which included the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

While efficiency may be the Leaf's ace in the hole, it is the electric car's amenities that make it a less stressful means of getting to and from the office. Standard technology includes the Nissan Navigation System, which features real-time traffic updates using NavTraffic, as well as hands-free phone operation through Bluetooth-enabled phones. Meanwhile, as the weather begins to cool, the Leaf offers standard heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and heated side mirrors.

"A lot of people instantly think about driving range with electric cars, but with the Leaf, you have plenty of battery power to cover the back and forth of most commutes in Greater Boston," added Ferreira. "The truth of the matter is that the Leaf isn't just a great way to save on gas; it is also an excellent car to drive and live with."

About Mastria Nissan:

Mastria Nissan has been serving Massachusetts Nissan fans since 2004, focusing on exceptional customer service and a low-pressure sales environment. Their Nissan dealership offers the full line of Nissan sedans, crossovers and pickups, as well as a state-of-the-art Nissan service department staffed with skilled technicians. Plus, Mastria Nissan is the only authorized NV dealer in the area, making them the destination for business owners in Southern Massachusetts who need commercial vehicles. Located at 1305 New State Highway in Raynham, they can be reached by phone at 888-820-9028 or found online at www.mastrianissan.com and www.facebook.com/MastriaNissan.