Nissan has taken the ICE (internal combustion engine) out of the ice cream van, creating an all-electric zero-emission concept.

The company partnered with Mackie’s of Scotland, an ice cream producer that runs its family-owned dairy farm on wind power and solar energy.

The project demonstrates how a ‘Sky to Scoop’ approach can remove carbon dependence at every stage of the ice cream’s journey.

Most ice cream vans have diesel engines, which are kept running to operate the refrigeration equipment, but some
UK towns are now looking to ban (or fine) these vehicles.

Nissan’s concept will allow vendors to reduce their carbon footprint and offer customers a better experience.

The prototype van is based on the e-NV200 (Nissan’s all-electric light commercial vehicle) and is fitted with its Electric Ecosystem, which combines a zero-emission drivetrain, second-life battery storage and solar-energy generation.

Kalyana Sivagnanam, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: “Ice cream is enjoyed the world over, but consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of how we produce such treats, and the ‘last mile’ of how they reach us.

This project is a perfect demonstration of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility strategy, applying more than a decade
of EV experience and progress in battery technology to create cleaner solutions for power on the go.”

While the van’s motor is driven by a 40kWh battery, its soft-serve machine, freezer drawer and drinks fridge are powered by Nissan Energy’s newly unveiled ROAM, which is due to go on sale later this year.

Designed for both professional and leisure applications, ROAM is a portable power pack that uses lithium-ion cells recovered from first-generation Nissan electric vehicles.