We can’t accuse Mercedes-Benz of being late to the electric party, especially when the brand’s passenger line brought us the EQC, the EQA, EQS and most recently, the EQB.

But these EQ SUVs are all for the passenger sector and moreover, primarily for the private market – but Mercedes-Benz has its commercial vehicle interests, so what of these? And where are these?

Well, the ‘what’ is four – not just one or two – but four electrified Mercedes-Benz vans. And the ‘where?’ At a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle centre near you.  

So why this display of e-Fource?
This is Mercedes-Benz after all, the automaker which excels at providing solutions for every requirement so it follows that there would be the work-focused eVito and eSprinter, along with two touring models in the form of the eight-seater eVito Tourer and the seven-seat luxury appointed EQV.

Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel van

The eVito Panel Van’s electric motor and 60kWh battery generate 85kW and 360Nm of torque to the front wheels through a single speed transmission. It’s consumption measures around 25.67kWh to give an approximate range of up to 259km using WLTP standards.

This is more than sufficient mileage for round town running and the eVito has five recuperation modes to maximise driving range.

In the most active mode, D-, deceleration and therefore recuperation is at its strongest, while D, D+ and D++ modes progressively reduce active deceleration.

The fifth mode is something not seen before; DAuto mode which uses a radar sensor to automatically adjust the recuperation level to the traffic situation.

Inevitably, the eVito will need charging and offers the option of AC or DC charging ability.

Using an 11kW AC charger the eVito will take about 6.5 hours to recharge from 0 to 100 percent, while a fast charge using an 80kW DC charger will power up the eVito from 10 percent to 80 percent in as little as 35 minutes.

As with all EVs, the most cost-effective charging method is overnight, while the faster charge offers faster charging but should not be used as frequently.  

With 882kg of payload and a GVM of 3200kg, the eVito is a useful worker with up to six cubic metres of cargo volume in a 2398mm by 1709mm wide and 1392mm high load area accessed by twin sliding doors as standard fitment.

In terms of occupants, the eVito accommodates two on heated fabric trim seats with lumbar adjustment for driver and passenger who also have access to a seven-inch touchscreen with voice control capability, reversing camera with dynamic steering lines and three rear-view modes, Bluetooth audio streaming and Smartphone integration, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

With its tall and deep loading space, the eSprinter is the same urban workhorse as its diesel-powered sibling, but now with a clear, green advantage.

The eSprinter is a very attractive addition to the ICE-powered Sprinter line and has a smaller battery capacity than the eVito at 47kWh with a consumption rate of 41.3kWh per 100km giving an indicative range of up to 132km using WLTP standards.

Despite the variations in range and consumption, the eSprinter’s electric motor generates the same 85kW output, with a slight drop in torque – 295Nm to the front wheels.  

Again, the eSprinter can take AC and DC charging, with a 7.4kW AC charger taking about eight hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent, while the faster DC charger (80kWh) takes a 10 percent to 80 percent charge time of around half an hour.

The eSprinter has an up to 793kg payload and 3500kg GVM with the business end of the van offering a load volume of 11 cubic metres in a space 3272 mm long, 1787 mm wide and 2079 mm high, accessed by a single side sliding door on the left and rear hinged glazed doors with step access.

Like the eVito, the eSprinter’s safety package is comprehensive, incorporating Blind Spot Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Active Brake Assist; Crosswind Assist; driver and co-driver front, thorax and window airbags; automatic headlights; and rain-sensing wipers.

Occupant accommodation is for three with a crew bench and dedicated heated driver’s seat, while cabin amenities include a Bluetooth interface with hands-free function, keyless start, heated and electrically adjustable front mirrors, and a height-and rake-adjustable steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer

As the first all-electric people mover to be offered to the New Zealand commercial market, this model is expected to be highly sought-after by a variety of businesses including tourism companies and government fleet operators.

While it is on the same chassis as the eVito panel van, the Tourer’s electric motor is bigger at 150kW and 365Nm, while battery capacity is up at 90kWh and energy consumption of 28.43kWh to give a range of 351km WLTP.

Recharge time is 10 hours on 11kW AC chargers and 45 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent on a 110kWDC charger.
The eVito Tourer has the same comprehensive safety package and a similar specification list as the eVito Panel Van.

Mercedes-Benz EQV

Seating seven, the EQV is built for luxury and style. It has the same electrical specs as the eVito Tourer. It is specified with armchairs in the second row and a bench seat in the third, though four individual armchair seats can be optioned.

The EQV features an Exterior Design Package including black and chrome highlights and an AMG spoiler lip, anodised roof rails and 18-inch black high-sheen alloy wheels.

EQV is also equipped with the MBUX infotainment voice command system with its 10.25-inch touchscreen.