Overall rating:

Nissan plugs in its LCV offering with some Leaf technology for green-leaning businesses. Add some seats by going for the Combi model and you've a quiet, emissions-free school run machine, with all the benefits (and limitations) of a Leaf but a lot more space.

Key Facts

Model tested: Nissan e-NV200 Combi
Pricing: £22,895
Engine: 80kW AC synchronous electric motor
Transmission: front-wheel drive, automatic
Body style: van-derived people carrier
Rivals: Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew Van EV
CO₂ emissions: 0g/km
Claimed range: 106 miles
Top speed: 76mph
0-62mph: 14.0 seconds
Power: 107hp
Torque: 254Nm

In the Metal:

The Combi version of the new Nissan e-NV200 is clearly a van, with some windows admittedly, but a slab-sided machine that's been designed to squeeze as much carrying capacity into its relatively small footprint first and foremost. It comes with seats in the back for three, while the 'e' part of the name relates to the fact it's a fully electric vehicle. Unsurprisingly, Nissan has raided the parts bin to create its zero emissions Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). That has necessitated the use of a wider front track thanks to the Leaf's suspension and a nose containing a socket for plugging in. The bodywork around the front has changed accordingly, so both the wheelarches are wider and the nose longer - the latter a result of pedestrian protection.

Unsurprisingly, it's van-like inside too, which does mean a great, upright driving position and plenty of space. There's lots of plastic too, designed more for durability than desirability, while car-like niceties such as proper door cards in the rear aren't offered; instead, pop-in fuzzy material adds some 'luxury' to the inside of the rear doors. Functional then, and honest, but Nissan says it doesn't expect to sell many to private buyers, its target customers are businesses who need to move people - including taxi firms.

Driving it:

With no sound starting up, no vibrations from a diesel engine and just the faintest noise from the electric motor the e-NV200 is certainly different to a typical van. The motor is a bit more audible than it is in the Nissan Leaf, though it's still quiet enough that the wind noise around the mirrors comes to the fore as the speed rises.

Be careful with that speed, as like all EVs the e-NV200's range plummets if you're on faster roads; it's best suited to stop-start urban traffic than dual-carriageway duelling. Add over 700kg of cargo to its capacious rear (that's the regular van's rating, less in the Combi) and that range is likely to take even more of a hammering. Even so, most users will be driving on pre-determined routes, where typical EV range-anxiety isn't such an issue. If you do run out of charge, make sure you do so within pushing distance of a rapid charge outlet, where a plug in will see the e-NV200 gain 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. Via a typical domestic plug you'll need 24 times that...

So it's quiet and it rides pretty decently. Along with that, the mass of the batteries is low down in the e-NV200's structure, which means it's a bit more agile than its diesel relation. Not that you're likely to be flinging it about. Driving it, like all EVs, is all about maintaining momentum, avoiding braking and using gradients in your favour to recharge, using the B mode to allow maximum regeneration. It's different then, and quite enjoyable, particularly if you consider that, if you're based in the centre of London, the e-NV200 could save you as much as £16,127 in fuel, tax and the congestion charge (the latter accounting for around £10k of that) over four years of ownership.

What you get for your Money:

This all depends on how you decide to pay for it. Pay the full amount and the e-NV200 is all yours, batteries and all. Opt to lease the batteries and you'll pay less up front and pay a monthly amount on the battery pack. Equipment levels are more car-like than you might expect, though that's true of most commercial vehicles today.

Worth Noting

Be careful which e-NV200 you opt for. There are four different trim lines, and the base model does without the Fast Charging facility - you need Rapid Plus in its name if it's to achieve that. If you're after things like alloy wheels, Nissan's neat Carwings tech that allows you to pre-heat or chill the cabin, auto lights and wipers - with rapid charging - then you need the Tekna Rapid Plus, which is the range-topper.

Summary

If you fancy a spacious people-carrying EV then look no further. Just don't expect some of the finery you'd get in a proper MPV, as the Nissan e-NV200 is a commercial machine with seats. A decent one, with a very specific role: if you want a clean conscience driving the kids around town, and you've outgrown your Leaf, then this could well be the solution.