Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer: An All-Electric Van

Since its launch, the Mercedes-Benz Vito, which is produced in Vitoria, Spain, has been the epitome of a versatile mid-size van. Around 530,000 units of this current third generation have been sold since its introduction in autumn 2014. Thanks to its versatility the Vito is an established partner for SMEs, in particular those with up to five vehicles. More than 70 percent of all Mercedes-Benz Vito vehicles are used in such conditions.

Pia Herkewitz, Product/Marketing Management Mercedes-Benz Midsize Vans, adds “The extensive range of new assistance systems and the new engine generation continues the Vito’s success story and makes it even more attractive. The Vito is still uncompromising when it comes to operating costs or the desire for low emissions. As before, the payload and diversity of variants are among the best in the segment. The new infotainment offerings also meet the increased demands of our commercial customers.”

“The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer sets benchmarks in its segment with regard to everyday suitability and usability. Thanks to the rapid charging function and to a higher range –compared to its predecessor – it can be used flexible. It underscores our idea of a locally emission-free van,” explains Benjamin Kaehler, Head of eDrive at Mercedes-Benz AG.

The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer

The mobility revolution is already having an increasingly marked impact on urban traffic. In order to keep traffic moving over the last mile in the future, the purely electric drive of medium-sized vans is the next sensible step. With the eVito in 2018 and the eSprinter in 2019, Mercedes-Benz Vans took on an early pioneering role for emission-free, commercial goods traffic in the urban environment. The driving performance and range of the now unveiled eVito Tourer define a new dimension and fulfil all requirements: be it as a hotel shuttle, as an MPV taxi or vehicle for ride-sharing services.

The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer takes on the autonomous look of its brothers with a combustion engine. But beneath the dynamic front with a charging connection in the bumper at the front left is the electric drivetrain (eATS), which powers the front wheels with a peak output of 150 kW. The electric motor, the transmission with fixed transmission ratios, the cooling system and the power electronics form a compact unit. The energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery in the vehicle’s underbody. It is configured low down and centrally, which has a positive effect on the eVito Tourer’s handling. The top speeds of 140 km/h with standard and 160 km/h with special equipment ensure rapid progress both in and out of urban traffic.

Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer: Charging

The Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer comes as standard with a water-cooled on-board charger with alternating current with an output of 11 kW. This means that it is  prepared for both AC charging at home and public charging stations, and DC charging. Therefore, the eVito Tourer, with a maximum output of up to 100 kW, can be charged from 10-80 % in under 45 minutes at a rapid charging station. The battery with a usable capacity of 90 kWh facilitates a range of 421 kilometers.^1, It enables DC charging.

Thanks to its intelligent operation strategy, the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer also charges its batteries when driving. In overrun or braking mode the mechanical rotation is transformed into electrical energy and used for charging the high-voltage battery (recuperation). Drivers have a huge influence on recuperation. They can influence the recuperation performance via gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. An especially efficient and comfortable driving style is enabled by a new feature of the eVito Tourer: The recuperation state D_Auto. In keeping with the maxim “drive with an anticipatory style and save”, traffic sign recognition and information from the safety assistance systems are networked and the strength of recuperation is adjusted depending on the situation and in real time.

Moreover, three driving programs allow the customer to choose individually, and with the press of one button, between comfort and maximum range.

Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer: Charging Infrastructure

Alongside analysis and advice, Mercedes-Benz Vans also offers hardware solutions for charging infrastructure: for individual customers, the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home, featuring a compact, high-quality design, is available through Parts Sales. It must be installed by a competent electrician – who can be chosen freely by the customer – in accordance with local regulations. Even more comprehensive is the offering for customers with more than two vehicles at one location: with the charging infrastructure offering for fleet customers, Mercedes-Benz Vans supports vehicle fleets – together with selected partners – from advice and location preparation, installation of the charging hardware, right through to maintenance and support.

Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer: Practicality

As the battery is housed in the underbody the load compartment offers unrestricted use. The eVito Tourer thus meets the most discerning requirements regarding functionality and variability and covers virtually all applications in passenger transportation. The locally emission-free van can be ordered in two different lengths: long (L2) with a total length of 5140 millimetres or in an extra-long (L3) version measuring 5370 millimetres.

Private Hire customers can benefit from features such as the diverse seat configurations. With two rear bench seats the eVito Tourer becomes a comfortable shuttle vehicle with an agile and especially quiet driving experience to meet all the requirements when it comes to contemporary passenger transportation. Thanks to its flexible seating configuration the eVito Tourer can be equipped with up to nine seats or face-to-face seating.

Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer: Technology

Drivers of an eVito Tourer also benefit from the Mercedes PRO connect connectivity solutions. The Connectivity Package features two services. Thanks to the “Remote eCharging” service, customers have the possibility to set the temperature in the vehicle interior before they even start their journey. Therefore, the full battery charge is available at the begin of the journey. Using the Mercedes PRO connect App, drivers can remotely program when they would like to begin their journey and thus specify how the vehicle temperature should be adjusted ahead of time. Besides the driver, the fleet manager also receives all relevant information on the battery charge level and climate control in the Vehicle Management Tool. Programming is possible directly via Mercedes PRO. This has no influence on the range, as the charging current is used for pre-entry climate control.

Technical data of the Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer