Small electric vans don’t always get the same attention as larger models. But the Nissan Townstar EV proves there is still a strong case for a compact van that is simple, practical, and easy to live with.
The Nissan Townstar EV is a small electric van that might be overlooked in favour of larger models or those with more range. After driving one, though, I’d encourage you to give it a look. Nissan has been making electric vans for some time; the e-NV200 launched in 2014, based on the Nissan Leaf. It won plenty of awards and was Europe’s best-selling electric van.
In 2022, Nissan replaced the e-NV200 with the Townstar EV. Built on an all-new platform (shared with the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes eCitan), the Townstar is a worthy successor of earlier Nissan EVs. If you’re looking for a practical work van that doesn’t put up a fuss, this is a strong contender.
The important figures
The estimated range is 178 miles combined. Though if your work is local and you’re mostly driving around a town or city, you could get more than 250 miles, according to WLTP city cycle estimates. I did a good mix of driving during my time with the Townstar EV and didn’t have any problem getting the combined figure.
When out and about, you can charge the 45 kWh battery from 20% to 80% in 37 minutes using an 80 kW DC charger. That being said, the Townstar is best suited to home or depot charging. Simply plug it in overnight to ensure enough charge for the next day’s work.
I drove the Townstar Acenta EV L1, which is the short-wheelbase model. In terms of practical space, this is a small van, but the rear doors are wide enough to take a Euro pallet. If you need more versatility, the longer-wheelbase version (L2) can fit a Euro pallet through the extra-wide side door.
L1 models have a max payload of 502 kg (including the driver), while L2 models can haul up to 713 kg. Both models can also tow a maximum of 1,500 kg (with a braked trailer). The small size makes it great for city jobs, and it’s easy to manoeuvre in and out of parking spaces — helped, of course, by the rearview camera.
What’s it like to drive and work with?
If you want a car-like drive that doesn’t feel too high-tech or over the top, the Nissan Townstar EV is a good choice. The interior is quite basic, but it has everything you need for a smooth experience.
The height-adjustable driver’s seat makes it easy to find the right position, and your drive is supported by cruise control, emergency lane-keeping assist, driver attention alert, and traffic sign recognition. The higher Tekna trim adds parking sensors around the vehicle, automated parking, an around-view monitor, and blind-spot detection.
One thing that did take some getting used to was the accelerator pedal. It only takes a light touch and doesn’t give much feedback, making things tricky when you’re wearing work boots. Because of that lack of feel, I found myself pressing the pedal too hard or missing it altogether. Once you’re underway, though, it’s a pleasant van to drive. I drove a mixture of city streets and country lanes with no problem, even when it was a little narrow in places.
The interior is about what you’d expect from a relatively affordable van. It doesn’t feel premium by any means, but it’s pleasingly practical. You’ve got lots of storage for a small van, including a useful overhead bin above the windscreen.
In terms of loading, it has sliding doors on both sides, as well as rear doors. This is useful if you are in a narrow space and can’t access your tools or materials from one side. There are LEDs in the load area for those late-night jobs (or early mornings), and the 12V socket in the back is useful if you need to power basic tools.
If you’re not ready for electric, there is a petrol version of the Townstar available. They’re both built on the same platform, which, interestingly, means you’ll see a fuel flap on the electric model. Don’t mistake this for the charging port, which is actually hidden at the front of the vehicle behind the Nissan badge.
Overall, the Townstar EV feels best suited to straightforward, local work rather than long-distance duties. It is easy to drive, practical in tight spaces, and well set up for day-to-day jobs around towns and cities – especially if you have access to home or depot charging overnight.
Contributors
Jess Shanahan (author)
Jess Shanahan is a data storyteller, journalist and speaker specialising in electric vehicles, energy and technology. She turns complex topics into stories that inspire adoption and challenge misconceptions.
