The future of mobility according to Mercedes-Benz is 100% electric, not only for cars but also for commercial vehicles and in particular vans, which are handled by Mercedes-Benz Vans. Also in this sector, the German brand stands out for its premium offer, which means concentrating the maximum attention and services on customer needs. Those who are willing to spend more to have a van with the star on the bonnet don’t do it for status, but because they want better services. This means being able to count on reliability, downtime reduced to a minimum, both for maintenance and for unforeseen events, and on a customer service that finds solutions quickly and efficiently. Mercedes-Benz Vans has historically been attentive to the needs of its customers and wants to demonstrate it also with the new 100% electric vehicles. They are the EQV, the eVito and the eSprinter and we were able to test them for a few tens of kilometers in Rome traffic on a weekday morning.
So we tried to identify ourselves with those who drive these vehicles every day for work, so pay attention to the point. The “Lead in Electric Drive” strategy of Mercedes-Benz Vans is also based on this principle, which aims in no uncertain terms at leadership in the premium market of commercial vehicles and in particular those that are electric, which bring advantages not only in terms of sustainability but also economical “We are very satisfied with the growing demand for electric vans in the goods transport and passenger transport sector. With our intelligent and flexible production we can respond precisely to the needs of our customers who want to have the best product on the market. As premium brand we focus on cutting-edge technology, maximum attention to the customer and sustainability” explained Dario Albano, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Italia Vans, during the press conference to present the new vans.
Starting with the larger eSprinter, which can be ordered in the standard length (A2) with a high roof, its load capacity is 11 m3 and is not affected by the battery, which is available in two sizes: the 47 kWh net one defines a load capacity of 824 kg, while with the standard one of 35 kWh net the payload rises to 824 kg. The range is between 115 and 156 km and the electric motor delivers 116 HP and 300 Nm of torque. As far as recharging operations are concerned, however, the system accepts up to 7.4 kW in alternating current and up to 80 kW in continuous current, with times that vary accordingly, i.e. from a few tens of minutes up to 6-8 hours depending on of the system used. With a top speed of 120 km/h and WLTP approved fuel consumption of 35.3 kWh/100 km, it is clear that this van is dedicated almost entirely to city center deliveries. Finally, prices start at 80,670.06 euros (VAT included).
The eVito and the EQV represent two sides of the same coin, in the sense that they are born on the same technical platform and share a large part of the bodywork. The former is available in both van and passenger transport versions (up to 8 seats), while the latter is to all intents and purposes considered a car, given that it is even more refined and is part of the “Cars” range. For this it costs about 14,000 euros more. In any case, all versions and configurations share the electric mechanics. So there are two battery sizes – 60 or 90 kWh useful – and two power levels – 116 and 204 HP – which give ranges between 229 and 351 km. These distances are calibrated both for prolonged use in urban areas (delivery and taxis) and for higher-level shuttle services. Prices range from 58,325.76 euros for the eVito Van to 73,134.38 euros for the eVito Tourer. For the EQV, on the other hand, it starts from 87,403.24 euros and reaches over 92,000 for the longer version. Of course, these are indicative prices, given that practically all these vehicles are purchased with rental or leasing formulas.
