Unveiled at Detroit Motor Show, this electric version of Nissan NV200 tries to mix purposefulness with zero emission.

This concept is in fact a preview of a near future production zero emission small van. It is powered by the same system used in the Nissan LEAF, a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque.

The e-NV200 is obviously heavier, so you naturally don’t expect the same performance, or range. On the upside, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

They’ve also styled the car to look like the LEAF a bit. The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue–accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. It’s all then wrapped in Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200’s strong functional feeling. The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.

Nissan mentions a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles among the advantages of an electric-powered van, but there’s no getting away from the fact that they will have limited range, and recharging them takes time, long time, which means they are completely out of business when plugged-in. That, I’m afraid, will increase the costs!