In addition to the EQ series in the passenger car sector, the automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is also working on the expansion of electromobility in the small van sector. As part of a press presentation, the new eVito and eSprinter electric transporters were presented in detail and made available for test drives. In autumn, Mercedes-Benz Vans will start delivering the first series vehicles of the electrically powered eVito. In a short interview with Simona Kugel, Product Manager eDrive @ Vans at Daimler AG, we take a look at the future of electromobility at Mercedes-Benz Vans.
GCM: The eVito and eSprinter signal the entry into electric mobility at Mercedes-Benz for vans. Which goals and target groups are in the foreground with the market launch?
Simona Kugel: Our goal is a modern electrical solution that not only relieves the burden on cities and the environment, but also offers our customers real added value.
Our vans have a wide range of applications in a wide variety of economic sectors such as handicrafts or service and CEP services. With the eVito and the eSprinter, we offer versatile and flexible basic electric vehicles. The drive train of the electric vans as well as the corresponding charging infrastructure solutions are specially tailored to the purpose and the specific performance requirements of customers from different industries. This concerns, among other things, range, payload and purpose.
In addition to the vehicle, we offer our customers complete system solutions and thus support customers with special services when they switch to electromobility. One example is the eVAN Ready app, which can be used to test online whether battery-electric models can play a role in your own vehicle fleet.
GCM: The registration figures for electric vans with an environmental bonus are very manageable. Are there any special incentives or campaigns from Mercedes-Benz to promote sales for the new models?
Simona Kugel: Our eVito has been available for order since November 2017 and will be delivered to customers after the IAA 2018. The eVito is offered for the first 1.000 orders from individual commercial customers from € 39.990 (plus the legally applicable sales tax), plus there is a wallbox and a service contract for 48 months (with 20.000 km of mileage per year).
Interest in the run-up to the market launch shows that the new range of models with the eVito meets customer expectations
GCM: Give us an insight into the coming years. What developments and innovations can Mercedes Benz customers expect in the field of electromobility and fuel cell technology?
Simona Kugel: Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to offer all commercial vans with electric drives.
In order to meet as many transport requirements as possible and to enable a wide variety of industries to get started with locally emission-free electromobility, the second model, the eSprinter, is already in the starting blocks after the eVito. The large van will celebrate its market premiere next year. In the next step, the Citan will also be electrified.
Strategically, we are also thinking in a further direction. Using the example of a semi-integrated motorhome, the Concept Sprinter F-CELL shows the entire range of advantages of a fuel cell from a long range to quick refueling.
Addendum
Interview with Simona Kugel, Product Manager eDrive @ Vans at Daimler AG.
Cover picture - Copyright Mercedes-Benz
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