(May 23, 2012) BARCELONA, Spain — Nissan will begin building an all-electric compact van, the e-NV200, in Barcelona in the 2013, the company announced today. The new model will be based on the existing NV200 currently produced at the plant and will be an i innovative addition to Nissan's global range of light commercial vehicles.

The e-NV200 will become Nissan's second all-electric vehicle following the launch of the Nissan Leaf in 2010, underlining Nissan's long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.

The new model, which represents EUR100 million investment by Nissan in Spain, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and throughout its local supplier base.

As the sole producer of e-NV200, Barcelona will supply world markets highlighting the growing competitiveness of Nissan's Spanish industrial operations. Last week a new medium duty truck was allocated to Nissan's Avila Plant in central Spain.

The van will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan Leaf on a single charge and similar performance.

Nissan officials have said the electric van will come to the United States in 2014.

Andy Palmer, Nissan Executive Vice President, said: "e-NV200 represents a genuine breakthrough in commercial vehicles and further underlines Nissan's leadership within the electric vehicle segment.

"The new model will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditionally powered compact van, but with zero CO2 emission at the point of use and also provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EV's.

"Crucially, it will also offer class-leading running and maintenance costs, which makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition to both businesses and families."

The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City "Taxi of Tomorrow" following a rigorous selection process.

Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most demanding usage. Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer requirements ahead of the start of production expected in FY13.