Barely launched, the Nissan Townstar is available in 100% electric engine. Nothing surprising about this, since it is a clone of the Renault Kangoo which has just arrived in the catalog, too, in all-electric.
Like the Renault Kangoo, the Nissan Townstar arrives in all-electric. — DR
The Japanese compact utility uses the same spec sheet as its French progenitor: a 122 hp engine drives the front wheels, powered by a 45 kWh battery that will allow a maximum range of 300 kilometers. A heat pump improves energy efficiency in cold weather.
The useful values remain identical to those of the Townstar with an internal combustion engine: 600 kg of load and 3.3 m³, or even 3.9 m³ by opting for the folding passenger seat and the movable partition that allows long objects to be loaded up to the dashboard. The elongated body makes it possible to increase these values to 800 kg and 4.9 m³ maximum. Enough to load two europalettes. In both cases, the van can also tow a 1,500 kg trailer.
Like the Renault Kangoo, the Nissan Townstar arrives in all-electric. – DR
The equipment, also modeled on that of the thermal versions, is very supplied, especially with the ProPILOT Assist driver assistance system, a 360° camera, a blind spot warning or an adaptive cruise control.
Like the Renault Kangoo, the Nissan Townstar arrives in all-electric. – DR
The electric Nissan Townstar (2022) will be launched this summer
The new Nissan Townstar marks the debut of the new generation of Nissan light commercial vehicles. The new compact transporter can now be ordered as a petrol engine for the panel van and for the station wagon variant. The market launch of the all-electric model is planned for the summer.
Nissan has a long history of cooperation with the French manufacturer Renault, which is especially noticeable in the case of compact commercial vehicles. With the launch of the new Renault Kangoo, Nissan is also launching a modified version to succeed the NV250 – its name: Townstar. The versatility of the Townstar should be reflected both in the version as a panel van and in the variant as a high-roof station wagon.
The robust construction guarantees a safe driving experience, which is also confirmed by the four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. “The new Townstar underlines our commitment to business and private customers and helps them effectively meet the challenges of everyday business and private life.”, says Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & Corporate Sales Director at Nissan Europe. And further: “We are pleased to be able to offer our customers a wide range of products with the new Townstar.”
The all-electric version of the new Nissan Townstar succeeds the e-NV200, one of the first mainstream electric utility vehicles. The launch is scheduled for this summer. Its electric motor delivers 90 kW (122 hp), develops 245 Nm of torque and, combined with a 45 kWh battery, offers a range of up to 300 kilometers (according to WLTP).
With the all-electric Townstar, Nissan is introducing CCS charging technology for the first time, whereas the predecessor still had to be charged via the less common CHAdeMO interface. This means that the Stromer can be charged with up to 80 kW charging power at DC fast charging stations. The Townstar has an 11 or 22 kW on-board charger for AC charging. Unfortunately, official pricing has yet to be announced.
Lots of space, flexibility and equipment
The new five-passenger Townstar offers the most legroom (1,478 millimeters front / 1,480 millimeters rear) and the most shoulder and elbow room (1,524 millimeters rear). front / 1,521 millimeters at the rear) of its segment according to Nissan. The driver and passenger doors can be opened up to almost 90 degrees, the practical sliding doors allow easy access to the rear seats.
The luggage compartment volume can be extended from 775 liters to 3,500 liters. In addition, there are clever storage compartments with a total volume of almost 50 liters in the front and rear seat area. Thicker windows and improved insulation should also effectively suppress driving noise, which should be less with the electric model anyway. All information is from previous combustion models; slight deviations in weight and dimensions are to be expected for the next electric model due to the battery.
There will likely be parallels in Nissan’s equipment lineup. Even the conventional driving variants are equipped with equipment such as an audio system with DAB+ digital radio, smartphone integration and hands-free function via Bluetooth, intelligent automatic headlight control, heated and adjustable exterior mirrors electrically and a rain sensor. The driver information system displays all important information on a 4.2-inch TFT color display.
Top equipment lines will include rear park assist, cruise control with speed limiter, height-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning and Isofix mounts for the front passenger seat and rear outboard seats. On request, Townstar buyers can also get more extensive safety equipment, which includes driver and front passenger airbags, intelligent autonomous emergency braking assistant, drowsiness detection, lane departure warning as well as side airbags and window airbags. Blind spot assistant and traffic sign recognition can complete the safety package – also in the E model.
In addition to a high beam assistant, the top model of the Townstar van also offers the NissanConnect infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen and a navigation system. Highlights such as an inductive charging option for smartphones, seat heating for driver and front passenger, speed warning and an intelligent Around View Monitor are also on board.
Cameras positioned around the vehicle provide a 360-degree all-round view, which should make parking and maneuvering in the tightest of spaces easier. These extras are also possible for the electric version. It remains to be seen if the electric version will also have the options mentioned above or if Nissan will offer additional packages for the electric Townstar. As with all new Nissan utility vehicles, the Japanese automaker provides a five-year European warranty of up to 160,000 kilometers on the Townstar. Presumably this also applies to the battery, similar to the Nissan Leaf.
