A “courageous” move, the CEO of Nissan Italia Marco Toro does not deny it, but of which they are fully convinced. In the transition to electricity, which has never undergone a sharp acceleration as between 2020 and 2021, we must be willing to take risks. And so the announcement came from the Yokohama house: stop producing vehicles with diesel engines for the Townstar range, the new generation of light commercial vehicles.
This was confirmed by Toro himself during the presentation of the new compact electric van that enriches the fleet of commercial vehicles, the Townstar with gasoline and full electric engines: “We are sure, let’s follow up on what we have already done with cars. “. Isn’t that a risk? “We are convinced that with its 285 km of electric range, rechargeable up to 80% in 40 minutes – replied Toro – Townstar could be the vehicle suitable for companies that travel a large part of the daily routes in the cities and surroundings. The time required for a full tank of energy is 43% less than the previous electric model, and can coincide with a stop for unloading goods or a meal “. After all, the Townstar replaces the eNV200, a 100% electric van.
The goals for the future are clear: “This decision is part of Nissan’s global plan, Nissan Next, which traces the path towards electrification with a series of electrified vehicles that are coming. Years ago with Nissan we had focused on 100% electric with the Leaf, counting on faster support from the institutions to accompany this path. This was not the case, and so we added various electrified versions as a bridge until 100% electric is implemented ”.
The commercial vehicle market driven by e-commerce
74 years after Tama, the first electric concept produced, Nissan is therefore preparing for a 2030 in which all production will be electric, and a 2050 in which the brand will be carbon free. And it does so also through commercial vehicles, a growing sector (just over 2%) in a period in which the traditional auto industry has had to manage a downturn: thanks to e-commerce, which with the pandemic is no longer a luxury but a necessity. And to the need for people to shop online has been added the need for companies to deliver products, and to do so quickly, efficiently and securely.
“The car market loses 20% – underlined Toro – The commercial vehicle market is growing and electrifying itself more and more, about 7%, compared to an e-commerce growth of 65% in the last year and a half. “.
Townstar petrol or electric version
The new Townstar fits into this picture. The electric version, in particular, will arrive from mid-2022 to replace the eNV200 models. Prices still not available pending the arrival of the Renault Kangoo Ev, which with the Townstar shares the platform resulting from the Nissan alliance with the French group, but characteristics that for Nissan make it perfect for moving between the city LTZs, cutting traffic and pollution. , with 285 km (WLTP cycle) of autonomy, more than 40% more than the eNv200.
“We want to grow with the product – said Toro – for this reason we provide a 5-year warranty, 8 with the electric one, which guarantees greater autonomy and less charging time for the customer, together with other 23 technologies dedicated to safety. We have 1,000 units sold in 2021, we want to double in 2022 and reach 3,300 units in 2023 ”.
For its part, the Euro 6d-Full petrol version is available in the L1 short wheelbase Van and L2 long wheelbase Combi versions (suitable for passenger transport) and has a 1.3 L petrol engine with 130 HP and 240 Nm of torque. In the family version, the split rear sofa can be folded down, increasing the load capacity to 775 liters. The Van version, on the other hand, has a 3.9 cubic meter boot, and can carry up to 800 kg of weight in the load compartment. Both trim levels count on a rich package of Adas: in addition to Cruise control and emergency braking with recognition of pedestrians and cyclists, there are ProPILOT, which regulates acceleration, braking, stop and restart, and Trailer Sway Assist for greater stability. when traveling with a full load and the Side Wind Assist, which protects against side gusts of wind. The cameras complete the picture by providing a 360 degree view to facilitate maneuvers.
