Nissan upgrades electric camper van with innovative kit

author: FutureCar Staff    

With a new generation of all-electric vans, like the Ford E-Transit, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and Mercedes EQV, entering the e-camper van market, Nissan's electric small vans have taken a backseat. However, the e-NV200 was the world's first electric camper van when EVs were still in their early stages, and most RVers were satisfied with gas and diesel. In 2021, Nissan retired the e-NV to make way for its successor, the Townstar EV. While the Townstar EV Kombi may not have the same charm as the e-NV200, it still offers a compelling mini-camper experience when equipped with a rooftop tent and tailgate kitchen.

In 2010, Nissan made a mark in the modern EV market by launching the Leaf, the first mass-produced all-electric car of the 21st century. Four years later, Nissan introduced the e-NV200 as its first all-electric light commercial vehicle. Although the ICE NV200, released in 2009, was not widely used for camper conversions, it served as a platform for mini-campers, paving the way for the e-NV200 to become the world's first all-electric camper van.

Shortly after Nissan began production of the e-NV200, UK converter Hillside Leisure showcased a fully converted e-NV200 camper van with a pop-up roof and complete camper interior in 2014. Hillside, which already had the NV200 Dalbury mini-camper van in its lineup, easily transitioned to the e-NV200-based Dalbury E.

It took a few more years for Nissan to develop its own e-NV200 electric camper van design. In 2018, the company partnered with Bram Technologies to create an electric mini-camper van for the Spanish market. Nissan later expanded its camper van offerings with the Winter Camper Concept in 2021, catering to the growing interest in off-grid work, travel, and play during the pandemic.

Nissan has now entered the next chapter of the electric camper van story, which will introduce a larger group of e-camper van models, potentially including those based on the Renault E-Kangoo. The Townstar EV, which shares its roots with the E-Kangoo, has been specially outfitted as a show car for the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. While not a fully equipped camper van, it provides a preview of the camping package that Townstar drivers can add to create a capable e-mini-camper.

To enhance the camping experience, Nissan has added a Maggiolina Airlander Plus Black rooftop tent to the Townstar EV. The tent features a spacious double bed with mesh windows and doors for ventilation. An overhead light is included for convenience.

In addition to the rooftop tent, Nissan has partnered with Irmscher to offer a camper-in-a-box kit for the Townstar EV. This kit includes a tailgate kitchen with a dual-burner gas stove, sink with a water canister, and a small fridge box. The kitchen can be installed separately from the rooftop tent, and Irmscher also offers the box with a fold-out bed.

The Townstar EV is equipped with a 45-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of up to 183 miles (295 km). It can charge from 15 to 80% in just 37 minutes. The electric motor provides 121 horsepower, and the available heat pump ensures efficient interior heating. With lengths of 449 cm (17 in) and 491 cm (193 in), the Townstar EV falls into the sub-5-m (197 in) "mini-camper van" category.

The Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, where Nissan is showcasing the Townstar EV, is currently ongoing until Sunday, September 3. Nissan will also have its Primastar Seaside camper van on display at the event.

Source: Nissan Germany

FutureCar Staff