E-INTER STELLAR? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

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

Ten Second Reviewword count: 35

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.

Backgroundword count: 153

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 Experienceword count: 220

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).

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