The model is being produced at the Barcelona plant as part of a €431m investment in Nissan’s Spanish operations and will be exported globally to around 20 international markets, including Japan, from June. The firm added that, as with the Nissan LEAF, the e-NV200 is likely to be exported to more markets after its initial launch.

The e-NV200 will be available as a light commercial van, passenger vehicle and electric taxi and is intended to provide a zero-emission solution for urban cargo delivery and taxi companies.

Nissan Motor Co Ltd chief planning officer Andy Palmer was at the launch ceremony and said: ‘This is a great landmark day for Nissan, starting production of our second electric vehicle. This is at a time when EV’s are now recognised as mainstream technology, many competitors are only just starting to launch their first EV and where Nissan has clear first mover advantage. We’re proud that the Nissan LEAF is the world’s best selling electric vehicle with more than 110,000 delighted customers enjoying the quiet and smooth ride of an EV.’

As well as being the location for e-NV200 production, Barcelona will be the first city in the world to introduce the vehicle as a 100% electric taxi as part of a partnership between Nissan and Barcelona City Hall.