Mercedes-Benz has announced it will offer electric drive on its entire van range, beginning with the eVito model in 2018.
Announced at the eDrive@VANs workshop in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz outlined a new strategy to meet customer demands by adapting its range of electric technologies to suit individual needs, with the eVito as the first step in an electric commercial range.
The eVito is fitted with a 41.4kWh battery pack to give a claimed range of 150km (93 miles) and even well fully loaded in low temperatures it will offer 100km (62 miles). Designed to suit city centre deliveries, tradespeople and urban public transport, the battery can be recharged in six hours and the electric motors offer 113bhp and 221lb/ft of torque. Customers can choose between two performance configurations; a maximum speed of 50mph is sufficient for urban duties and increases the overall range, while a higher maximum is available allowing the eVito to reach 75mph. A maximum payload of 1,073kg is offered and a load volume of 6.6 cubic metres, with the battery pack sited beneath the load floor to avoid intrusion.
Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer a holistic solution to the needs of customers, allowing them to adapt the eVito and subsequent electric Sprinter and Citan to suit the specific needs, fleet size and driving profile and include structural factors such as charging points, financing and connectivity.