Parcel carrier FedEx Express will begin testing the Nissane-NV200 all-electric van as part of an arrangement between parent company FedEx Corp. and Nissan Motor Co.
FedEx will test the van in the Washington, D.C., area, where it will be subjected to the "routine requirements of a delivery vehicle," according to a statement from Nissan. The results will "help determine the viability of using an electric vehicle in this role in the U.S.," Nissan said.
This is the electric van's first test in North America; the companies have conducted similar tests in Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Brazil. The electric van is scheduled to begin mass production this year in Europe, Nissan said.
"We're eager to work with FedEx and other companies to put the e-NV200 through its paces to continue to build awareness of the capability of electric vehicles and to evaluate how well it meets the needs of the commercial consumer," said Erik Gottfried, director of electric vehicle sales and marketing.