Japanese automaker Nissan has unveiled a wistful “Winter Camper” concept for its all-electric e-NV200 van, which it bills as being inspired “by the exhilaration of wintertime exploration” and part of the company’s “vision for sustainable adventuring.”
The announcement of this new concept is, of course, a lot of public relations fluff, but it is a real product. The e-NV200 electric van was launched back in 2014 and is available in select markets around the world, including across Europe – though, sadly, not in Australia. The latest e-NV200 boasts a 40kWh battery, with an 80kW motor, 6.6kW on-board charger, and option for a 705kg payload.
Nissan’s concept of an all-electric e-NV200 Winter Camper will be available in Europe for the standard e-NV200 van and e-NV200 Evalia passenger van. Designed “to maximize excitement while minimizing environmental impact” the e-NV200 Winter Camper comes with a raft of “bespoke driving and lifestyle features” and is expected to be able to tackle the tough European winter terrain.
Based on the e-NV200 Evalia, the e-NV200 Winter Camper includes a “Luxury Kit” that features solar panels on the roof which can recharge the onboard 220volt power pack, an integrated kitchen, refrigerator, folding beds, and insulated glass to make possible sustainable and luxurious open road travelling.
A number of tuning upgrades have also been made for the e-NV200 Winter Camper concept intended to help negotiate the difficult road surfaces that are part and parcel of winter travelling in Europe.
Included are premium off-road tires and an increased ride height which will provide increased traction and ground clearance for those times when you are driving through the mid or snow, and twin spotlights mounted on a reinforced steel bar at the front help to ensure maximum visibility.
“Electric mobility is all about offering an exciting experience behind the wheel, while above all remaining conscious of our impact on the environment,” said Dmitry Busurkin, divisional general manager for light commercial vehicles at Nissan Europe.
“Imbued with the essence of adventure and thrilling electrified power, the Nissan e-NV200 Winter Camper concept van is an optimistic expression of the future of zero-emission mobility.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.