Third Dimension Manufacturing (3DM) has been convinced to make the switch to electric with the acquisition of an electric Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer.
The family-owned acrylics manufacturer based in Coalville, Leicestershire, will use the eVito Tourer to deliver its acrylic display cases, screens and other point-of-sale and promotional items.
The van, from dealer eStar Truck & Van, comes with three rows of upgraded seats and can accommodate up to eight passengers. It also features a chrome grille, interior highlights, colour-coded bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, Tempmatic air-conditioning, Active Brake Assist and Attention Assist systems.
Powered by a 100kWh battery that can be restored to 80% of full capacity in as little as 40 minutes, the van covers 217 to 221 miles between charges.
Mercedes-Benz is providing a three-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, as well as MobiloVan cover, which features free emergency roadside assistance.
The battery is guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 km and dealer eStar Truck & Van is also arranging for EO Charging to fit a charging point at 3DM’s premises.
Don Borthwick, Proprieter at 3DM said: “We’d been looking at electric vans for some time but were always put off by the limited distances they would cover before the batteries needed replenishing.
“We don’t have fixed, short-run distribution patterns, but frequently travel long distances to serve and visit our customers.
“The fact that our journeys are unpredictable means we can’t rely on being able to top up batteries during the day, so need to know we can always get out and back safely, then recharge the battery fully overnight.”
