Revamped electric camper van with innovative pop-and-play kit

author: FutureCar Staff    

With a new generation of all-electric vans, like the Ford E-Transit, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and Mercedes EQV, emerging in 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 makes for a great mini-camper when equipped with a rooftop tent and tailgate kitchen.

In 2010, Nissan entered the modern EV market by launching the Leaf, the first mass-produced all-electric car of the 21st century. Four years later, in 2014, Nissan introduced the e-NV200 as its first all-electric light commercial vehicle. Although the ICE NV200 was not popular for camper conversions at the time, it served as a mini-camper platform, paving the way for the e-NV200 to become the world's first all-electric camper van.

The first e-NV200 camper van was unveiled just months after Nissan started producing the electric compact van in Barcelona. UK converter Hillside Leisure showcased a fully converted e-NV200 with a camper interior and pop-up roof at the UK's NEC Motorhome & Caravan Show in October 2014. Nissan itself joined the e-NV200 camper van market a few years later in 2018, partnering with Bram Technologies to create an electric mini-camper van for Spain. In 2021, Nissan also explored the European camper van market with the Winter Camper Concept.

Nissan has now entered Chapter Two of the electric camper van story, which will introduce a larger group of e-camper van models, potentially including some based on the Renault E-Kangoo. The Townstar EV, showcased at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, serves as a preview of the camping package that Townstar drivers can add to create their own 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, mesh windows and doors, and an overhead light. Additionally, Nissan offers Irmscher's camper-in-a-box kit, which includes a tailgate kitchen with a gas stove, sink, and fridge box.

The Townstar EV is powered by a 45-kWh battery pack, providing an estimated range of up to 183 miles. It features a single 121-hp electric motor and an available heat pump for efficient interior heating. The size of the show car is not specified, but it falls within the sub-5-meter "mini-camper van" category.

The Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, where Nissan is showcasing the Townstar EV, is running from September 3. Nissan will also have its Primastar Seaside camper van on display.

Source: Nissan Germany

FutureCar Staff