Nissan Townstar EV

Road Test

 

After the success of the e-NV200, Nissan’s new Townstar EV electric light commercial has a tough act to follow. Richard Gooding find out if it delivers

What is it?

Launched in December 2022, the Nissan Townstar effectively replaces the NV-200 van. Hugely popular with fleets a decade ago, the all-electric e-NV200 was one of the first zero-emissions light commercials to arrive, and the Townstar EV carries the baton from its predecessor. Very similar to the latest-generation Renault Kangoo and Mercedes-Benz Citan – and their electric variants – a petrol-powered Townstar is available alongside the electric model. In addition to the panel van, a crew van introduces folding second row seats, and a seven-seat Townstar Evalia EV passenger model has also been announced.

How practical is it?

Whether ICE or electric, all versions of the Townstar are available in L1 or L2 forms, with overall lengths of 4,486mm and 4,910 respectively. The Townstar EV L1 has a wheelbase of 2,176mm, with a maximum internal loading length of 1,806mm, complete with full bulkhead. Cargo volume is 3.3m3, with a payload of 465-574kg. Wheelbase increases to 3,100mm on the L2, while the internal loading length rises to 2,230mm. Cargo volume is a useful 1m3 more than the L1, the maximum payload over 200kg more than the smaller van. Both can accommodate two Euro pallets easily, with a load compartment height of 1,215mm on the L1, 1,229mm on the L2. Load area lashing points are standard, and the maximum towing capacity (with braked trailer) on both models is 1,500kg.

The Townstar EV Crew Van is only available in L2 configuration, but offers the flexibility of rear seats and/or cargo. With the rear bench seat folded away, there is up to 3.1m3 of load volume and a maximum payload of 730kg.

What range does it have?

All Nissan Townstar EVs are fitted with a 45kWh lithium-ion battery. This delivers a WLTP-rated combined driving range of up to 183 miles, a very useful 43 per cent up on the e-NV200. A heat pump is standard on all models.

How long does it take to charge?

All Townstar EVs with the exception of the entry level Visia model have a maximum charging power of 80kW. When connected to a DC rapid charger, a 0 to 80 per cent charge takes around 42 minutes, rising to two hours when plugged into a 22kW AC socket. A 7.4kW connection charges the battery from flat to full in seven hours. The Visia’s charging power is capped at 11kW AC.

How does it drive?

The Townstar EV looks identical to the ICE model, only Nissan’s fabled ‘Zero Emission’ back door badge marking any difference. Good-looking, the Townstar EV has a smart appearance. That continues inside. The controls and buttons, and the 8-inch colour touchscreen of our L1 Tekna+ test van give a distinctly car-like feel.
    
The driving experience edges nearer to that of a car, too. Light steering means the Nissan eLCV is easy to manoeuvre through urban environments, the comfortable ride, and hushed ambience making the Townstar EV a very agreeable work companion. The 90kW motor has more than enough pace with 180lb ft (245nm) of torque, with two driving modes and three regenerative braking models – including a ‘sailing’ or coasting setting – allowing for fine-tuning of the driving experience.
 
What does it cost?

The UK government’s Plug-In Van Grant (PIVG) will contribute up to 35 per cent of the purchase price of the Townstar EV, up to a maximum of £2,500 for the L1, and up to a maximum of £5,000 for the L2 and crew van.
    
With this taken into account, prices for the Townstar EV begin at £30,000 (see box-out) for the entry level Visia model, although this trim is subject to availability. Sixteen-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, DAB audio with Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch TFT driver’s display, and automatic lights and wipers are standard. The £31,550 Acenta gains 80kW DC charging capability, climate control, load area LED lighting, cruise control, reverse parking sensors and an 8-inch color touchscreen audio system with smartphone connectivity.
    
The Townstar EV Tekna costs from £32,850, and adds front parking sensors and a rear view camera, keyless entry, and integrated navigation. The £34,900 Tekna+ features alloy wheels, more driver assistance aids, a 360-degree monitoring camera system, and a 10-inch TFT colour driver’s display.

Why does my fleet need one?

The e-NV200 was well thought of in the eLCV sector, and the Townstar EV looks set to build on the reputation set by its predecessor. Able to carry more cargo, go much further on a single charge, with a more car-like cabin and usable technology, Nissan’s new eLCV is among the best in the small electric van market and should prove enticing to many fleets looking to decarbonise.