Nissan is previewing a “near-future production” concept model of a zero-emission small van at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit.

 Based on the NV200, the predictably-named e-NV200 is a more refined version of the electric prototype of the small van currently on trial in London with Fedex Express, according to a spokesman for the brand.

Hideto Murakami, Nissan’s corporate vice-president, said: “A potential game-changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan Leaf while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200.”

Murakami said the production version would be targeted mainly at businesses but could also serve private users and families.

Nissan said the e-NV200 takes its design cues from both the NV200 van and the Leaf electric passenger car.