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Mercedes eVito prototype caught: New electric platform under an old shell
The new VAN.EA platform casts its shadow under the southern sun: Mercedes-Benz Vans has begun the development of the next generation of the V-Class with road tests, as some images prove. The prototype is a so-called "mule," meaning a carrier for the next generation with a modified body of the current V-Class and not yet the series production body. This gives manufacturers the opportunity to test the new platform, in this case an electric platform, without showing the final design.
What can be seen, however, is that the next generation will have a wider track, revealed by the broader fenders, and that it will be slightly longer. The next generation will roll on the VAN.EA platform, a purely electric base that the Swabians are developing specifically for light commercial vehicles. The platform is built in three modules, making it easily adaptable to different vehicle sizes. The next V-Class is expected to have both single- and dual-motor powertrains. It is scheduled to launch around the year 2026.
The Van Division is Going Full Throttle
A Mercedes-Benz van has never been developed so quickly: By 2026, the modular and scalable EV architecture will be introduced, with which new electric vehicles will be placed alongside the Vito, V-Class, and Sprinter. Mercedes-Benz Vans aims to differentiate more strongly between private luxury vans and commercially positioned premium vans. It's important to note the distinction between "luxury" and "premium"! The latter is crucial for commercial customers, while the former might deter them – but luxury is the automaker's strategy for its passenger cars, and Van.EA is set to align with this. Specifically, in the segment of fully electric mid-sized luxury vans in the USA and China, offering an alternative to the S-Class and GLS, or EQS and EQS SUV respectively. And these are vehicles that customers are meant to consciously "want," as development chief Zygan explained to VM during the presentation of the eSprinter in the USA.
In the new concept, many special models are integrated right from the start
Nevertheless, they aim to reduce the variety of variants by more than 50 percent compared to the current portfolio with internal combustion engines. The future portfolio should "still cover the same purposes for customers." However, there are extremely many special versions in the combustion segment (camper vans, ambulances, tippers, all-wheel drive) that could also be integrated from the beginning with Van.EA.
First prototypes are already running in simulations, and especially in terms of aerodynamics and weight, things are looking "very good," as employees familiar with the project explain to us: The new models are expected to be much more efficient and thus have a greater range than the recently updated electric Sprinter and Vito. Significant weight savings can also be achieved, as they switch from pure steel to a mixed construction of aluminum, high-strength steels, and composite materials. Despite the rapid development, Van.EA is also designed for a long future: Zygan speaks of a strategic decision for the next 15 years.
Translated automatically from German.
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Elektromobilität , Newsletter Elektromobilität , IAA Mobility , SUVs und Geländewagen , Hybrid , Antriebsarten, Kraftstoffe und Emissionen , Oberklasse- und Sportwagen , Carsharing , Autonomes Fahren (Straßenverkehr) , Ladeinfrastruktur , Verkehrspolitik , Formel E , Brennstoffzellen , Fahrzeug-Vernetzung und -Kommunikation , Fahrzeuge & Fuhrpark , Automotive-Messen & Veranstaltungen , Pkw, Kompakt- und Mittelklasse , Minis und Kleinwagen , E-Auto-Datenbank, E-Mobilität-/Automotive-Newsletter, E-Auto-Tests
