Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia is launching two versions of its electric medium-size van in the form of the eVito panel van and the eight-seat eVito Tourer.
The new eVito range marks the first time that Mercedes-Benz Vans has offered its Australian customers not one, but two EV alternatives.
It says that not only does the eVito Panel Van provide customers with the option to reduce their running and maintenance costs, it also a tool to demonstrate their commitment to operating sustainably.
The eVito Tourer, meanwhile, is set to become the first all-electric eight-seat people mover to enter the Australian passenger and commercial vehicle market, creating a highly attractive and cost-effective option for a variety of commercial operators.
For commercial operators seeking to maximise their efficiency, the eVito Panel Van and eVito Tourer both require servicing only every 12 months or 40,000 km (whichever occurs first), and are covered by 24-hour roadside assistance support. The standard warranty covers each vehicle for five years or 250,000 km, and the battery for eight years or 160,000 km.
Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel Van
The eVito Panel Van solely utilises an electric motor, sending 85 kW of power and 360 Nm of torque from the 60 kW/h battery pack to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Energy consumption is estimated at 27.36 kW/h per 100km, equating to an estimated driving range of up to 262 km (NEDC) ¹ between recharging. This makes the eVito Panel Van an ideal companion for inner urban delivery loops.
Charging time from 0-100% using Alternating Current (AC) with a charging power of 11 kW is estimated to take approximately 6.5 hours¹; meanwhile, a Direct Current (DC) fast charger (80 kW) can top up the battery pack from 10% to 80% in as little as 35 minutes¹. The DC option offers speed, while AC is more cost-effective for overnight charging. Either method utilises the vehicle’s inbuilt Type 2 (CCS) charging system.
The driver can also adapt their driving style to suit their needs using standard gearshift paddles. These toggle between five recuperation modes that recover energy during deceleration. In the most active mode, D-, deceleration and therefore recuperation is at its strongest, requiring less manual braking and maximising driving range. The D, D+ and D++ modes progressively reduce active deceleration, while DAuto mode uses a radar sensor to automatically adjust the recuperation level to the traffic situation.
With 882 kg of payload and a GVM of 3200 kg, the eVito panel van is suited to a variety of cargo types. Up to 6.0m3 of cargo load volume is available, via a loading space that is 2398 mm long, 1709 mm wide (excluding wheel arches) and 1392 mm high. Dual rear sliding doors ensure the cargo is easily and safely accessible.
Standard safety features designed to help the driver to safely negotiate almost any traffic situation include Blind Spot Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; Lane Keeping Assist; Active Brake Assist; Active Parking Assist; Highbeam Assist Plus; Hill-Start Assist; Crosswind Assist; front and rear parking sensors; front, thorax and window airbags; automatic headlights; rain-sensing wipers; daytime running lights; and a front and rear acoustic sound generator. Further important driving aids include rollover mitigation, load adaptive control, enhanced understeer control and acceleration skid control.
Standard equipment includes Active Distance Assist cruise control; a reversing camera with dynamic steering lines and three rear-view modes; a seven-inch touchscreen with voice control capability, Bluetooth audio streaming and Smartphone integration (Android Auto ® and Apple CarPlay; a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel adjustable for both reach and rake; a seatbelt warning for both seats; illuminated exits; handy stowage including a centre console, eyewear compartment and cup holders; heated and electrically adjustable side mirrors; and window tinting.
The fabric trim seats have lumbar support and cushion length adjustment, and are heated to help reduce reliance on climate control, reducing power use and helping to increase driving range.
Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer
Formerly known as the Valente, the Vito Tourer is now available as a dedicated EV. As the first all-electric people mover to be offered to the Australian commercial market, this model is expected to be highly sought-after by a variety of businesses, including airport transfer companies and local municipal councils looking to maximise their profit margins by reducing recurrent running costs, while simultaneously minimising the environmental impact of their fleet.
The eVito Tourer has seating for eight in a 2:3:3 configuration, with the seats able to be individually folded down to increase cargo space if required.
Passengers will also enjoy climate control, which includes a pre-entry climatisation function that allows for heating or cooling whilst the vehicle is still charging, to reduce energy draw on the onboard battery. Externally differentiating the Tourer from the Panel Van are large side windows and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The eVito Tourer is equipped with a more powerful electric motor sending 150 kW and 365 Nm to the front wheels. A usable battery capacity of 90 kW/h and power consumption of 26.15 kW/h per 100km¹ gives the vehicle an exceptional indicative touring range of up to 421 km (NEDC) ¹ between recharges.
To charge the battery from 0 to 100% using AC charging (at 11 kW) takes approximately 10 hours¹, while DC fast charging (at 110 kW) requires approximately 45 minutes¹ to top up from 10% to 80%.
The eVito Tourer is equipped with the same comprehensive safety package as the eVito Panel Van, and a similar standard specification list. Additionally, the Tourer’s second- and third row comfort seats include a folding outer rear seat that helps with accessibility from the side-access doors, while the seat rail system has a quick locking system for fast adjustments. These seats are trimmed in black leatherette and include ISOFIX and tethering points. The roof lining and interior panels are finished in quality materials, and carpet flooring is fitted throughout the cabin.
Pricing
Both vehicles are available, in limited quantities, to order now from Mercedes-Benz eVan Retailers.
Mercedes-Benz eVito Van $89,353 (MRLP)
Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer $116,115 (MRLP).
