Mercedes-Benz is planning to roll out electric models across its entire van range in coming years, starting with an electric version of the mid-sized Vito in 2018.
The new Mercedes-Benz eVito will join traditional diesel and petrol models of the Vito in the second half of next year, with an eSprinter set to follow in 2019.
An electric Citan will also appear, although a date has not yet been given. Ironically, the Citan will be the last of the three models to get an electrified version, despite being essentially a rebadged Renault Kangoo, which has offered an electric drivetrain for years now.
Mercedes has disclosed that the new eVito will have a maximum range of approximately 90 miles, and even in sub-optimal conditions (cold temperatures and fully loaded) it will still deliver a range of 60 miles. A full charge is expected to take about six hours.
The eVito can accommodate a maximum payload of 1,073 kilograms and a maximum load volume of 6.6 m3. Installation of the battery beneath the vehicle means it does not impact on the vehicle’s load space. The maximum gross vehicle weight will be 3.2 tonnes.
The eVito will be targeted at city-centre use by delivery companies, tradespeople and public transport providers. Mercedes-Benz has also announced a deal with logistics provider Hermes, which will see the courier company take delivery of 1,500 new electric Vito and Sprinter vans by 2020 for use in Hamburg and Stuttgart.
The cooperation with Hermes also includes provision of rapid charging infrastructure at Hermes logistics centres and IT services for optimal management of the electric fleet. In addition, the entire delivery process will be accelerated through the likes of automatic load-space systems that facilitate automated loading and unloading of packages.
UK availability, pricing and specification of the Mercedes-Benz eVito are yet to be announced.
