Nissan Townstar EV Review

That's especially true for urban users, as in its smallest L1 format it has a payload of 608kg – almost 200kg less than the likes of the Citroën e-Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Electric, or their sister models from Peugeot and Fiat.  

It’s low and wide, though, with impressive dynamics for a small van, and has a refined and technologically advanced cabin, with a car like feel and comfortable seats, and there are two load lengths, L1 and L2, including a crew cab option on the longer model. Three trim levels available – Accenta, Tekna and Tekna+, and unusually the longer and heavier L2 model actually has the greater payload, thanks to a heavy-duty rear axle. 

Range, Battery and Charging

All Townstar EVs are powered by a 90kW/122PS electric motor, with a 45kWh battery pack and a combined WLTP range of 186 miles, which is some 20 miles behind major rivals, so make sure you factor this in when considering your usage requirements. 

Of particular appeal will be the built-in fast-charging function, which will accept a supply of up to 80kW. With a DC charger, you can take the battery from 20-80 per cent in just 40 minutes, while 22kW AC charging takes an hour and 21 minutes to replenish to a similar level. 

Overnight charging via a domestic supply will take around 13 hours.

Practicality, Payload and Dimensions

There are two body lengths of Townstar EV available – a compact 4.5-metre long L1 that’s not much bigger than a Renault Clio, and a larger L2 model measuring 4.9 metres.

Both have twin rear doors thar are split 60:40 asymmetrically, which makes loading bulkier boxes from the kerbside much easier, while the L2 has twin side loading doors as standard. The L1 only has a sliding door on the nearside. 

The L2 is also offered as a crew cab, with clever flat-folding seats so as not to impact its load capacity when not in use. 

Both have a fairly modest payload – just 609kg in the L1 and 764kg in the L2, which has the stronger rear axle. That said, it’s still lower than most rival small electric vans so do consider your requirements before purchase. 

The load bay is functionally organised, though, with a 1806mm of load length in the shorter model and 2230mm on offer in the bigger one, with a maximum load width of 1570mm and 1248mm between the wheel arches. 

Interior, Seating and Technology

The Townstar’s cabin is neatly laid-out and feels well-made, with all models featuring an eight-inch touchscreen, DAB and smartphone integration. The Tekna model gets a double passenger seat and automatic air conditioning, along with. A more comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems including Blind Spot Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Many of the switches and controls, along with the steering wheel, are shared with Nissan’s passenger cars and feel well-made, while the touchscreen is intuitive to use with straightforward heating and air con controls, unlike in some rival models. 

Cabin storage is good, with an overhead shelf, dashtop tray, a large glovebox and a useful storage cubby above the instrument binnacle.

Motors, Performance and Handling

There’s only one battery and motor combination on offer but it’s extremely smooth and feels surprisingly lively against its modest power output.

There are three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Power – and you’re only going to get the maximum range of 186 miles in slower Eco mode, with Normal reducing it by as much as 20 per cent. There are three brake regeneration settings, adjusted via the gear lever, and these will bring the van to a near standstill in the most powerful setting, though you’ll still need to put your foot on the brake pedal to stop it completely.

One of our favourite features is its standard heat pump, which takes la substantial load off the battery to warm the cabin in cool conditions. It’s also an extremely comfortable van to drive. 

Handling is quite sharp – unsurprising, as it uses the platform from the excellent Renault Clio supermini – and it has decent refinement, minimal road noise and good visibility, making it one of the most satisfying small vans to drive. 

Running costs, Pricing and Specs

There are three trim levels on offer, with the entry-level Acenta being targeted mostly at fleet users. Sole traders and SMEs will prefer the Tekna or Tekna +, which are better equipped and offer comparable value to most rivals in the class – they’re marginally cheaper than similar specification models from Stellantis but have a lower payload and functionality.

The Crew Van is only offered in Tekna trim and commands a £2,800 premium over the equivalent panel van, while there is a £3,200 step between L1 and L2 models.

Verdict

The biggest compromise with the Townstar EV is its limited payload – for some business users this may be a deal-breaker. But if you only carry lighter loads and want a good-looking van that’s rewarding to drive and extremely comfortable, then it has a lot in its favour, not least some well-planned trim levels and good value for money across the model range.