Mercedes-Benz Vans has revised the eVito medium van by fitting a larger capacity battery which can be rapid charged and extending the range.
A new trim level is also available and the van has achieved the NCAP Gold 2021 safety rating thanks to a range of driver assistance and anti-theft systems.
The revised battery electric variant of the Mercedes-Benz Vito, the eVito, can now be ordered with a range of revisions. These include a battery range of 162 miles for L2 variants or 160 miles for L3 variants, thanks to a larger 66kWh battery, which is compatible with rapid charging stations. This will result in a 10-80 per cent rapid charge in around 35 minutes at the maximum rated charge power of 80kW.
Charging from a 7kW AC wall box supply will take around 8 hours or around 20 hours using a domestic 13A wall socket. Using an 11kW three-phase AC supply will take around 6.5 hours for a full re-charge. Mercedes-Benz offers eVito customers home charging points through either EO or NewMotion, which will be re-branded as Shell Recharge Solutions this year.
The front-wheel-drive eVito is driven by an electric motor delivering peak power of 116hp or a steady output of 95hp, with up to 360Nm of torque. Batteries are mounted under the load floor.
Maximum load capacity is 6.6m3 for the L3 variant and the van offers a payload allowance of 807kg for L2 Progressive models, 772kg for L3 Progressive models or 749kg for L2 Premium models. All models feature a gross vehicle weight of 3,200kg.
Adjustable regenerative braking is carried over from the previous eVito, using “gearshift” paddles behind the steering wheel to vary the rate of energy recovery. Alternatively, the latest eVito is available with DAUTO recuperation which will automatically determine the appropriate level of regenerative braking.
New Advanced Driver Assistance Systems include Active Brake Assist with pedestrian recognition technology, Attention Assist to detect driver drowsiness and Cruise Control with an Adaptive speed limiter function.
Inside, standard equipment includes a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration and a three-year subscription to the Mercedes me app. Mercedes me offers connections to a range of services via digital devices, including remote eCharging and Navigation with Electronic Intelligence.
This allows route plotting via public charge points, as well as live vehicle tracking and remote locking. The app can also be used to pre-condition the vehicle while it is on charge to pre-heat or cool the vehicle, to help conserve available range. The app can also be used to monitor maintenance requirements.
As before, standard specification is Progressive which includes air conditioning, a Comfort driver’s seat with heating, reversing camera and an entertainment system which includes DAB radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
New to the latest eVito is Premium specification which includes metallic paint finish with colour-coded bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and leather covered steering wheel. Parking sensors, front fog lights, electrically folding door mirrors and lumbar support are also part of the Premium specification.
Four option packs are available. These include Load Area Package which includes a wood resin floor in place of the standard plastic floor and load securing rails in the floor and side walls. LED interior lighting is also provided.
The Driver Assistance Package bundles together Active Distance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, rain sensing wipers and Blind Spot Assist with rear cross-traffic alert. Comfort Package Plus and Technology Package Plus are also available.
Prices start from £43,600 for L2 Progressive models, excluding VAT and including the OZEV grant of £5,000. The new eVito is available to order now with first deliveries expected in March.
