The e-NV200 Combi is an electric version of the NV200 van with side windows and five seats. The 108bhp motor, single-speed transmission and battery pack are the same as the ones used in the Nissan Leaf. As with most electric vehicles, the range and performance are limited, but running costs are very low, partly because of the tax benefits.

All versions are mechanically identical, but there is a choice of two trim levels called Acenta and Tekna. All can be charged from a mains supply, and those with Rapid in their name also have an on-board system which allows a flat battery to be fully recharged in four hours rather than eight. Rapid Plus models have an extra facility which allows the battery to be charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in half an hour.

Performance

The e-NV200's top speed is 76mph, which at the very least makes it unlikely that you'll be stopped for speeding on a motorway. Acceleration is also modest in absolute terms, but in the context of the maximum speed it's quite lively thanks to the ability of electric vehicles to move away sharply from a standing start. The 0-62mph sprint takes 14 seconds.

Most of the sound effects are produced by the tyres, the wind finding its way round the un-aerodynamic body and whatever noise the surrounding traffic is making. The electric motor, though not inaudible, is very quiet.

Ride and Handling

The driving experience fails to excite, but buyers will be prioritising function ahead of entertainment anyway.

Another feature common to all electric cars is that they are very easy to drive slowly. The e-NV200 is like that too, and it's pleasant enough to drive on country roads. The ride quality isn't bad, but it is spoiled somewhat by some gentle bouncing at the front end. In this respect the Combi is slightly better than the mechanically identical e-NV200 van. The driving experience fails to excite, but buyers will be prioritising function ahead of entertainment anyway.

Interior and Equipment

The Combi is also available with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. That version is simply called the NV200, not e-NV200.

The battery pack takes up space that might otherwise have been occupied by a third row of seats, so it isn't possible to accommodate more than five people including the driver. The Combi's van origins mean that there's a great deal of luggage space - over 4,000 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Access to the rear is excellent thanks to the Combi's sliding side doors. Once these are shut, the back can feel a little claustrophobic as the windows are small. They don't open, but small sliding sections are standard on the Tekna and a £108 option on the Acenta. All versions have air-conditioning, but front fog lights are standard only on the Tekna. Parking sensors are optional, along with several mostly practical items such as a dog guard and a hard boot floor liner.

Cost

The cheapest version might be one to avoid, as it's the only spec with no rapid charging system.

Prices range from around £28,000 to just over £31,000, or about £23,000 to £26,500 once the Government's Plug-In Vehicle Grant has been applied. The cheapest version might be one to avoid, as it's the only spec with no rapid charging system. You can pay a lot less than the list price if you lease the battery under a separate arrangement. There are several options here, depending on how long you want the deal to last and how many miles you expect to drive each year. Most of them are priced at under £100 per month. Since there are no CO2 emissions from the vehicle itself, there's no Vehicle Excise Duty or London congestion charge to pay. Benefit In Kind taxation is as low as it is for any car, currently standing at 5 per cent and rising each year up to 16 per cent in 2018-19.

Our Verdict

The e-NV200 Combi is aimed at a very small and specific group of customers and is therefore unlikely to sell in large numbers. It could be better in some ways, but for anyone who needs a five-seat MPV with lots of luggage space for short journeys it's going to be ideal.