Nissan Interstar Large Van

F35 L2 95kW 40kWh H2 Tekna Van Auto [2024]

The Interstar, Nissan's biggest van, now comes as an EV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the Interstar-e.

Ten Second Review

Nissan's largest van, the re-invented Interstar, looks a strong prospect in this full-electric Interstar-e form. It has a sharp look, a smartly designed cabin and an impressive level of media connectivity and drive assist features.

Background

The last part of the LCV market likely to go full-electric is that for really large vans. But that day will come a lot sooner once the products available improve - which is happening bit by bit, as evidenced by the model we look at here, Nissan's Interstar-e. A bit of background first. Initially, the large segment electric vans that first appeared at the end of the last decade really weren't very good at all. The very first of these was the Renault Master E-Tech, but so poor was that French model's EV driving range that the electric version of its clone, the Nissan Interstar, never appeared. Fast forward to 2024 though and things were very different. The electric version of the new generation Renault Master was a vastly more competitive proposition and Nissan has embraced it wholeheartedly to create the model we look at here, the Interstar-e. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The Interstar-e's full-EV powerplant uses a 105kW motor delivering 300Nm of torque and energised by an 87kWh battery capable of taking Nissan's first large segment EV van up to 285 miles between charges. You can also talk to your dealer about an additional smaller-battery 40kWh version with a range of 124 miles. Apart from the EV drivetrain, Nissan's also worked hard on a novel new power-assisted 'one-box' dynamic braking control system that keeps braking effectiveness and pedal feel the same, regardless of how much weight the van is carrying. It also triggers the automatic emergency braking system sooner (response time has been halved over the old model) and enhances regeneration, extending the range of the electric versions. And, as you'd expect from an all-new design, the portfolio of camera and radar driver assistance and safety features has been widened. An improved array of Advanced Driver Assistance technologies is included as standard, such as Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Speed Assistance, Intelligent Emergency Braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection and Side Wind Assist. The shorter wheelbase and redesigned front axle provide for extra manoeuvrability, including a 1.5-metre-shorter turning diameter. Customers can choose an L3 version for the city driving (L2 is the base vehicle, L3 is available with front wheel and rear-wheel drive and L4 has rear-wheel drive).

Design and Build

Nissan, who crafted the look of this new generation Interstar at its design centre in London, says it was going for exterior styling 'that exudes the feeling of a full-sized truck'. You're going to have to like that; the assertive front grille certainly gives this van a commanding look, with square lamp units and the Interstar name across the nose. The boxy grille incorporates sharp LED daytime running lights, plus aerodynamics have been optimised with a raked windscreen and a flat floor. The result is a relatively sleek Cd factor. Inside, thankfully it doesn't feel much like a truck, though the steering wheel is more vertical than before. The sculpted dashboard features a 10.1-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver to make it easier to read and use. There are two large cup holders, large overhead shelves, ten open storage areas, plus another three closed areas that together offer nearly 80-litres of stowage space, including a multi-purpose central seatback workspace unit and a large under-seat storage box. Around 135-litres of cubby space is available around the interior. There's the usual three-seat cabin bench, with harder-wearing upholstery and the option of heated seats. With the bench format, the back of the middle seat folds down into a desk, while the base houses a slot to store a laptop and there are USB-C ports to power devices. With this EV version, as with a high-spec diesel variant, you get a 7-inch instrument screen.

Market and Model

Interstar-e asking prices from launch were pitched from just over £42,000, before you factor in the £5,000 Plug-in Van Grant. To give you some perspective, a diesel Interstar is priced from just over £33,000 excluding VAT. As with the combustion model, there's a choice between two body lengths and two roof heights. There's a choice between two trim levels - 'Acenta' and 'Tekna'. 'Acenta' is designed to meet customers' everyday needs and includes manual air-conditioning, while 'Tekna' adds a raft of useful upgrades for a price uplift of £1,200 + VAT. These include automatic air conditioning, a heated windscreen, a rear-view camera, front parking sensors and flank protection, 270-degree opening rear doors, a 12V plug in the loading area, an additional 10 anchorage fixing rings on the C & D-pillars, full wheel covers and lumbar adjustment on the driver seat.  Across the Interstar range, there are 20 panel van derivatives. And a further 20 derivatives available across the chassis cab and platform cab ranges that offer a basis for conversion, where workshops can handle several alterations directly (adding tippers, deepening interiors, adding volume, etc.). You'll be able to equip your Interstar-e with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. These include charging other devices from an outlet in the interior or load area, as well as adaptors to plug power tools, computers and other devices into charger outlets. You can also power custom-built body parts (refrigerated compartments, automatic tailgates, extra heating or air-conditioning systems, etc.) directly from the battery. That EV version will also be able to feed energy from its battery to the grid (V2G) using a bi-directional charger.

Practicalities and Costs

As usual with an EV van, load capacity isn't affected by the installation of the electric drivetrain. Interstar panel van load capacities range from 11 to 22 cubic metres, with a 40mm wider opening at the sliding side door and 100mm longer load areas - the longest in the category. This MK2 model's greater payload capacity, length, width and volume should grow its market share. The Interstar-e electric version's 87kWh battery provides a WLTP range of more than 285 miles (it's 124 miles for the 40kWh version). And both EV variants have class-leading payload capacity (1,625kg, 300kg less than the diesel) and towing capability (2.5 tonnes). Its consumption seems reasonable, at a WLTP standardised 21 kWh/100km, thanks to the battery heat management system. A 130kW DC fast charge adds 157 miles of range in just 30 minutes. A 22kW AC home charger tops up the battery from 10% to 100% in just under four hours. As usual with a Nissan van, a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty is provided (two years more than the equivalent Renault Master), with no mileage limit for the first two years and roadside assistance for the entire duration. You also get a 3 year paintwork guarantee and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Summary

There have been three distinct phases in recent progress for large-size electric vans. The initial 2019-2021-era models, which are best forgotten. Then there was the Ford E-Transit of 2022, which showed how much better they should have been. Then in 2023, we got a wave of new generation large LCV electric models launched in response to that, one of which was this Interstar-e. If you're a business owner who has previously considered a large electric van but been disappointed and turned back to diesel, consider again because these fresh-era battery-powered models are worth a second look. But why an Interstar-e? Well, a primary draw is a better warranty than you'd get with most of its competitors, including its clone, the Renault Master E-Tech. If your Nissan van dealer can match that with an appealing financial proposition, then you might be tempted because there's not much wrong with the product. Big electric vans will still get better than this, but the greatest forward steps with this technology may already have been made. As this Nissan proves.