The Japanese partner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance has a different approach when it comes to technology for their next-generation vehicles. Instead of focusing on fuel cell technology, they are prioritizing battery electric technology. However, Nissan couldn’t resist the allure of a turbo diesel engine for this particular application. In Europe and the United Kingdom, large vans are as important as full-size trucks are in the US. For most potential customers, the most suitable powertrain option is a force-fed diesel engine, which offers excellent low-end torque and superior fuel efficiency compared to turbocharged gasoline engines.
Société de Véhicules Automobiles de Batilly, based in France, is responsible for manufacturing the all-new Master and Interstar vans. Currently, SOVAB has the capacity to produce 740 vehicles per day. Nissan states that the Master comes with a warranty that covers the first 160,000 kilometers (nearly 100,000 miles) or five years of ownership.
Nissan’s first-ever large van with a 100% electric option also comes with an eight-year warranty for the high-voltage battery. There are two versions available, starting with a 40 kilowatt-hour battery that provides a driving range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles). The standard battery takes about four hours to charge from 10% to 100% using alternating current.
For those who opt for the 87-kilowatt-hour battery, they can enjoy a driving range of over 460 kilometers (286 miles) according to the WLTP test cycle. Additionally, this battery can be charged to provide a driving range of up to 252 kilometers (157 miles) in just 30 minutes using direct current. Given the time constraints faced by businesses, the DC rapid charging system is expected to be highly popular among customers in the EU and the UK.
The Interstar-e, as mentioned in the attached press release, was primarily designed for inner-city driving. The electric version of the Interstar has a payload capacity of up to 1,600 kilograms (3,527 pounds), whereas the internal combustion version can handle nearly two metric tons. Both the electric and diesel-powered Interstar models have a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kilograms (5,512 pounds). As a point of comparison, the 2024 model year Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck for the US market is advertised with a payload capacity of up to 1,710 pounds (776 kilograms) and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds (3,493 kilograms).
Nissan also promises an improved turning diameter of 1.5 meters and a faster reaction time for the forward emergency braking system, which is halved compared to the previous generation. The Interstar will be available in various factory-built conversions, including Box Van, Dropside, and Tipper. Notable features include a heated windshield, heated seats with durable covers, Trailer Sway Assist, a 40-millimeter wider side door, a 100-millimeter longer load area, and class-leading aerodynamics. Unfortunately, Nissan did not provide detailed information about the diesel engine sourced from Renault.
The 2024 edition of the Master, produced by the French car manufacturer, is known as the XDD. The diesel option is promoted as the 2.0-liter Blue dCi engine, and Renault has confirmed the availability of four variations: 105 ps, 130 ps, 150 ps, and 170 ps. The turbocharged four-cylinder diesel can be paired with either a manual gearbox or a torque-converter automatic transmission featuring nine forward gears. The Master E-Tech boasts power outputs of either 96 kW or 105 kW, equivalent to 129 and 141 mechanical horsepower respectively. Both of the E-Tech’s drive units deliver a torque of 300 Nm (221 pound-feet).
Specifics regarding pricing have not been disclosed yet, but it is unlikely that there will be a significant deviation from the 2023 model. In France, the current Interstar commences at a base price of 39,435 euros excluding VAT or 47,322 euros including VAT. Based on the current exchange rates, this would amount to approximately 42,435 and 50,925 units of the respective currency.