Nissan e-NV200 Electric Van Tows Margot Robbie's House in Record Attempt
Nissan's updated e-NV200 van, equipped with a 40 kWh battery, towed a house linked to Margot Robbie in a publicity push for electric van capability and sustainability.
Nissan marked the launch of its updated e-NV200 electric van in October 2017 by towing a house associated with actress Margot Robbie, aiming to set a new record for electric vehicle towing. The publicity stunt was designed to highlight the van’s new 40 kWh battery and its role in Nissan’s wider electric ecosystem, including vehicle-to-grid and home energy solutions.
The van’s official towing capacity is 430 kg, but for the event Nissan fitted a special towbar to handle the larger load. The actual weight of the house and trailer was not disclosed, and no Guinness World Records official was present to verify the achievement. Nissan did submit the attempt for record consideration, but as of the event date, the record was not officially certified.
Updated e-NV200 targets urban deliveries
The e-NV200 received a major update with the introduction of the 40 kWh battery, the same pack used in the next-generation Leaf. This increased the van’s range by 60 percent, up to 280 km on the NEDC cycle. The van is powered by an 80 kW (109 hp) electric motor and is available with DC fast charging up to 50 kW, depending on specification.
Nissan positions the e-NV200 as a zero-emission solution for last-mile urban deliveries, citing its combination of range, cargo space and low running costs. In the UK, the van launched from around £24,000. Previous versions had already found a market among taxi operators and city-based businesses looking to reduce emissions.
A showcase for Nissan’s electric ecosystem
Margot Robbie, Nissan’s ambassador for electric vehicles and Intelligent Mobility, featured in a video for the event. The house used in the stunt was equipped with solar panels and energy storage, tying the record attempt to Nissan’s broader push for integrated electric solutions. Alongside the e-NV200, the video also highlighted the new Leaf, reinforcing the company’s commitment to electrification across its range.
While the towing feat was primarily a marketing exercise, it drew attention to the capabilities of electric vans at a time when few rivals existed in the segment. The e-NV200’s real-world towing ability remains limited by its official rating, but the event underlined Nissan’s push to associate its electric commercial vehicles with both innovation and practicality.
Technical specifications of the updated e-NV200
| Battery capacity | 40 kWh |
|---|---|
| Range (NEDC) | 280 km |
| Electric motor power | 80 kW (109 hp) |
| Official towing capacity | 430 kg |
| Maximum DC charging rate | 50 kW |
| UK starting price | ~£24,000 |
Nissan’s record attempt with the e-NV200 brought attention to the van’s updated specification and the company’s electric ambitions, even if the feat itself was not officially recognised by Guinness at launch.
