Overview
The Nissan Townstar EV is a compact electric commercial vehicle designed to cater to urban delivery fleets, tradespeople, and small businesses seeking zero-emission transport. Replacing the long-running e-NV200, the Townstar EV is built on the shared CMF-CD platform developed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, making it a direct sibling to the Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Mercedes-Benz eCitan. Available in standard L1 and extended L2 body lengths, as well as a multi-seat Crew Van variant, it sits squarely in the small van sector alongside established competitors such as the Citroën ë-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Partner.
Design
The Townstar EV adopts Nissan's contemporary design language, distinguished from its platform siblings primarily by its bespoke front fascia. It features a closed front grille embossed with a traditional Kumiko pattern, flanked by sharp LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The charging port is cleanly hidden behind the front Nissan logo. Beyond the front, the profile is clean and functional, featuring protective side body cladding, standard sliding side doors, and 60:40 split rear doors that open up to 180°. Higher trim levels add alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, and roof rails with integrated fold-down crossbars.
Interior
The cabin of the Townstar EV offers a car-like environment with an emphasis on durability and daily driver ergonomics. Switchgear and interior components are largely shared with passenger models in the alliance, lending the dashboard a familiar and intuitive layout. Modern technology is handled by an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, accompanied by an available 10-inch digital instrument display on top-tier models. Cabin storage is practical for mobile working, featuring an overhead shelf, a deep storage tray with USB ports, a generous glovebox, and a fold-down central seat back that converts into a desk. Physical heating and A/C controls remain separate from the main screen, ensuring straightforward adjustment on the move.
Performance & Powertrains
Every Nissan Townstar EV is powered by a front-mounted single electric motor producing 90 kW and 245 Nm of torque, which drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Energy is supplied by a liquid-cooled 45 kWh battery pack. The Townstar EV achieves a range of up to 186 miles, which can extend further during low-speed urban driving cycles. Performance is prompt off the line, reaching 0 to 60 mph in roughly 11.2 seconds for the short-wheelbase L1 variant. DC rapid charging speed peaks at 80 kW, allowing a 15% to 80% recharge in approximately 37 minutes. On the road, the chassis delivers composed handling, controlled body movement, and light steering, making it easy to manoeuvre through tight urban streets and roundabouts.
Practicality
The Townstar EV is offered in two primary load lengths: L1 measuring 4,486 mm long and L2 measuring 4,910 mm long. Standard L1 versions offer a load volume of 3.3 cubic metres, which expands to 3.9 cubic metres with the optional swivelling bulkhead and folding passenger seat. The extended L2 variant increases load volume to 4.3 cubic metres, up to 4.9 cubic metres with the swivelling bulkhead, and provides load floor lengths up to 2,230 mm, easily accommodating two Euro pallets. Payload capacity ranges from approximately 608 kg in the L1 body to 777 kg in the L2 model.
Buying
Prices for the Nissan Townstar EV start from £32,105 excluding VAT for entry-level models, rising past £38,000 for top-specification long-wheelbase variants. The model range is split into three core trim levels: Acenta, Tekna, and Tekna+. Standard Acenta models include automatic air conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, an electronic parking brake, and key driver assistance systems. Moving up to Tekna adds 22 kW AC charging capabilities, built-in navigation, front parking sensors, and a smartphone wireless charging pad. Tekna+ tops the range with additional safety systems, including ProPILOT driver assist, Around View Monitor 360-degree cameras, and heated seats. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the long-wheelbase L2 model in Tekna trim as it offers the best balance of commercial utility and value. Selecting the L2 unlocks significantly higher payload and cargo volume, while the Tekna specification secures essential 22 kW AC charging capabilities.