Mercedes-Bens to Unveil New Vito, eVito Tourer
There's no denying Mercedes-Benz Vito's versatility as an all-rounder among medium-sized vans.
Known for the highest payload and variability in the the segment, the German company is set to present digitally the newest Vito and eVito Tourer on Mercedes me media.
The digital tour will also showcase Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, who will provide a retrospective view at the past business year and give an insight into what's happening this year. Additionally, Benjamin Kaehler, Head of eDrive@VANs, will present the highlights of the new Vito and eVito Tourer.
The launch of these two models are in line with the company's plans to offer all its commercial van model lines with an electric drive option--starting with the mid-size eVito.
E-Vito is the electric version of the Vito. This light commercial van is manufactured by Mercedes Benz, and is available as a standard panel van for cargo (called Vito) or with the option of accommodating passengers substituted for part or all of the load area (also known as V-Class or Viano)
The first generation Vito was produced between 1996 and 2003, and was powered by a diesel or gasoline engine.
Meanwhile, the Vito E-Cell was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show using an electric motor with lithium-ion batteries under the passenger compartment floor. Considered the first electric vehicle mass-produced in Spain, the Vito E-Cell (or eVito) has evolved over the years.
It would be in line with BMW's goal to utilize electric drive in their vans.
“We are utterly convinced by the electric drive in our vans, especially in inner-city applications," says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
"At the same time, the electrification of the commercial vehicle fleet is in no way an end in itself. In terms of commercial feasibility, it’s subject to exactly the same principles as classic drives. With our eDrive@VANs initiative, we’re showing that only holistic solutions extending beyond the powertrain itself present a real alternative for commercial customers. The new eVito is the starting point. It will be followed by the third generation of the Sprinter and the Citan, too," he added.
Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to electrify all its commercial model ranges over the next few years, starting with the eVito. The exclusive pre-ordering phase for the mid-size van begins today in Germany, with market launch scheduled for the second half of 2018.
About the eVito
The eVito can churn out 112-hp, and hefty pull of around 300-Nm of torque. Its average range is around 149 kilometers.
The front-wheel drive battery has a six-hour charging time.
It comes with most of the standard specifications found in its sibling, the Vito, such as adaptive brake lights, rake adjustable steering wheel, sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, hill start assist, and wood flooring. It even shares the same height, charging cable, heated driver’s seat, air conditioning, and electrically-adjustable heated exterior mirrors with the Vito.
The electric version also comes with Mercedes ProConnect, a 'Can Track' vehicle tracker, and even a sound generator that creates an audible signal when the vehicle speeds up to 20mph. This allows cyclists and pedestrians to detect the vehicle even when driven at low speeds.
