Mercedes-Benz Vans launches new eVito

The fully electric Mercedes-Benz eVito is now available for order by UK customers, with production and first deliveries beginning in March.

The new panel van offers advances in efficiency, reliability and connectivity, including a 162-mile range, making electric mobility a feasible proposition for many businesses that have yet to switch from diesel.

The van’s 66 kWh lithium-ion battery can be restored to 80% of full usable capacity in just 35 minutes, using a publicly available rapid charging point.

As a result, a short stop to recharge can extend the vehicle’s range by approximately 105 miles (WLTP combined).

AC fast charging to 100% capacity takes six-and-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger, and approximately 20 hours using a regular domestic power outlet.

eVito customers can take advantage of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ home charge point offers, which are redeemable via its infrastructure partners EO and New Motion.

EO Charging can also support customers with depot and business charging rollouts.

The eVito’s electric motor drives the front wheels, delivering peak and steady outputs of 116 hp and 95 hp respectively, and up to 360 Nm of torque.

The 3.2-tonne vehicle offers a payload allowance of up to 807 kg and a maximum load volume of 6.6m3 – the battery is safely housed beneath the floor, so does not impinge on the available space.

Prices for new eVito panel van start at £43,600 for the L2 PROGRESSIVE variant, excluding VAT and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant contribution, which is currently worth £5,000.

Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Head of Electric Mobility, Kevin Ferris, said: “Mercedes- Benz is leading the transition to electric mobility and the new e-Vito takes our electric vans range to the next level. This is an exceptional van that goes further, works harder and keeps businesses moving for longer.

“At the end of 2019 Mercedes-Benz Vans was placed fifth by sales volume in the market for electric vans, but a year later we were up to second. We’re now on course to more than double the number of electric van registrations achieved in 2020.

“This represents a fantastic performance, but 2022 is going to be even better. While the eSprinter, new eVito panel van and eVito Tourer all excel in their respective market segments, we don’t, at present, offer a small electric van.

“That changes this year, though, when we also welcome to the UK the first examples of the small eCitan, a joint winner of the coveted International Van of the Year award.”

Main image: courtesy Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Electric van expert Paul Kirby gives his view….

Mercedes-Benz Vito gets electric Vavavoom!

I have both loved and hated the Mercedes-Benz Vans approach to electric vehicles. On the down side, what has come from them has only met the need of a very limited segment of the market. With that said I was always approving of their willingness to get something out there, test and learn from it and also their long term vision which is truly exciting!

Well now they have hit the nail on the head in my opinion with the new upgraded eVito. The information above tells the story but 162 miles range from a 66kWh battery with 11kW AC and 80 kW DC charging and an 800+ kilo payload including the driver means they are firmly in the mix if you need a mid sized electric van.

Mercedes are truly giving both the market and the competition something to think about. It is especially good to see a return to all the standard infotainment and steering wheel controls that you are used to in this high quality product back in their rightful place having been missing from earlier versions. I am looking forward to jumping behind the wheel and bringing you the first drive experience!

So if you are looking at the fleet and wondering how to electrify you won’t go far wrong with at least having this vehicle firmly on your shopping list!

Paul Kirby runs his own consultancy business called EV Essentials and is a member of the Transport + Energy editorial board.

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