Nissan Townstar EV Panel Van (2026 - ) review

Nissan keeps it simple on the Townstar EV, offering it in a choice of two lengths (the short L1 and longer L2), two trim levels (entry-level Acenta and top-spec Tekna) and two body styles (panel van or crew van). Load volume on the L1 panel van is 3.3 cubic metres, while the L2 provides up to 4.3, with both offering the same 1.24-metre gap between the wheel arches. Load lengths differ with the L1 providing 1.8 metres and the L2 a healthy 2.2 metres. Payload is lower than other small electric vans, with the L1 capable of carrying up to 502 kg, while the L2 can carry up to 713 kg. Now, that’s a quirk you don’t normally see in vans because you’d expect the shorter model to carry more. A shorter van usually means less overall vehicle weight and therefore more payload, but a stronger rear axle in the L2 allows for the dramatic 200 kg increase. Interesting stuff, right? Other than that, the 60/40 split rear doors and single side door (which is 61 cm wide in the L1 and over 80 cm in the L2) allow for good access into the load space. There are larger ‘small’ vans out there that can carry more weight, but overall the Townstar EV is a nice and practical vehicle.

The Townstar EV has a nice cabin, maybe not as nice as the Mercedes-Benz Citan’s which has a bit more style and shiny plastics, but it’s smart and well finished. The storage is a highlight with big cubbies like an overhead shelf, dashtop compartment and storage trays, and the glovebox is very generous. Regardless of trim level, you get a nice eight-inch infotainment screen with DAB radio, navigation and smartphone connectivity. The driver’s seat is comfortable and the top trim level gets a double passenger seat, although the cabin feels VERY crowded with three adults in it.

Every model gets the same 45kWh battery pack and the 180-mile range is enough to get you a few days of work before range anxiety kicks in and you’ll want to charge. We found the colder weather reduced range by 20 miles, but the heat pump keeps warming up the cabin away from the main battery and keeps what range remains intact. DC charging will get you from 20-80 percent in around 40 minutes, and costs will depend on whether you charge in public or at home. While the top trim version we’d recommend is more expensive, it feels more manageable when broken down on a good finance or lease deal.

The Townstar EV’s long five-year / 100,000-mile warranty is a standout package, putting any concerns to the side with the peace of mind that length of cover offers. Five years is also longer than the most popular lease lengths of three-to-five years and means you can drive one relatively worry free.

The Townstar EV performs well as a lighter-load-carrying small electric van, with its smart cabin, good driving style and practical load space. Yes, its payload is less than competitors, but the pricing reflects that. About the only performance issue we encountered was the highest regenerative braking setting was quite harsh and gave us a lurching sensation as it slowed quickly. There’s little else to quibble about beyond stating the simple fact that some people will want a bigger van.

It’s like driving a small and nippy car, which is not something you can say about every small electric van. The Stellantis vans are larger, for example, but feel it on the road. The 122 horsepower motor is smooth and acceleration is satisfyingly responsive. There are three driving modes to choose from with Eco being the hardest with its regen braking and limiting power output, Normal balancing everything nicely, and Power giving you harder acceleration and more torque. It gripped the roads well, cornered easily and never felt wobbly even when unladen. We were most impressed by the minimal wind noise while driving, the sound baffling works a treat.

Basic safety equipment is good with tyre pressure monitoring, hill hold assist, deadlocks, an immobiliser, intelligent speed assist, braking assist, driver alert and road sign recognition on all models. There are additional systems, and a few more added at the top trim, but there’s little to want here.

There’s a lot of equipment available as standard, with a few more bells and whistles added at the higher trim level. Depending on which trim level you get, you can have automatic air conditioning, LED lighting in the load space, cruise control, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, heated door mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, and more. As always, check the spec of the vehicle you’re considering buying or leasing before you sign on the line to make sure it has what you want.

You’ll buy the Nissan Townstar EV because you want a small electric van with a decent range and lighter payload that won’t break the bank because you found it on a good finance or lease deal. We reckon you’d be hard pushed to find a small electric van that drives so much like a car, while still being a solid workhorse. The Stellantis small electrics can drive a little further and carry more weight, but they’re bigger and more like a scaled-down medium van. That will work for some people, and the Townstar EV will work for the rest.