A new face will enrich urban traffic in the future. The entry into the emission-free future at Mercedes-Benz Vans started on the last mile in the transport segment with the eVito in 2018 and the eSprinter 2019 with purely electric drives. Now follows the newly introduced eVito Tourer for passenger transport. The concept is envisaged as an emission-free vehicle for ride sharing services as a shuttle service vehicle or as a large-capacity taxi. We were able to gather our first personal impressions at a press presentation by Mercedes-Benz Vans in Berlin.
In a dialogue with Andreas Böger, Head of Sales New Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Vans Germany, we look to the future of emission-free vans.
gcm: The concept of the eVito Tourer is envisaged as an emission-free vehicle for ride sharing services, as a shuttle service vehicle or as a large-capacity taxi. What opportunities and market potential does Mercedes-Benz see for the electric eVito?
Andreas Böger: We are convinced of e-mobility. The future is electric, especially in inner-city areas. These drives will give our customers a great advantage.
By producing the electric vehicles on existing production lines, we will have maximum flexibility / scalability in terms of the electric volume. Due to the serial production of the eVito, we already have the appropriate capacities in our plant and can easily produce exactly the amount that is required by the market.
The eVito is available as a panel van for goods transport and as an eVito Tourer for commercial passenger transport.
eVito - panel vans and tourers
Both vehicles have different target groups, whose requirements with regard to electromobility we always keep in mind when developing our vehicles
The eVito panel van is mainly used in urban CEP operations; the daily mileage can already be served today. The eVito Tourer is mainly used for commercial passenger transport (shuttle services, taxis, ride sharing) and in official environments. Here we want to offer our customers an even better overall package through fast charging and greater ranges.
Due to the different customer groups and usage requirements, we see a corresponding market potential for both vehicles.
gcm: Due to the new range in the city area, the electric vans can cover an entire day of use. Are there any special incentives or campaigns from Mercedes-Benz to promote sales of the e-vans?
Andreas Böger: We offer our electric vans for purchase and leasing in the same way as our conventional vans. The eVans also benefit from temporary sales promotions, depending on the current design.
Also included as standard is a maintenance package for four years - which covers the costs of maintenance work in accordance with the service booklet and manufacturer's specifications during this period - as well as the Mercedes-Benz battery certificate for up to 160.000 kilometers or eight years. In addition, there are various funding programs for electromobility at the federal, state or municipal level. Our eVans also benefit from the increase in the environmental bonus as part of the federal government's economic stimulus package.
In the case of leasing, each vehicle is invoiced individually according to customer requirements (mileage, duration and vehicle equipment, etc.).
Vans as purchase and leasing offers
Our offer also goes beyond the vehicle. We offer a tailor-made overall system solution. Among other things, we develop and evaluate new concepts for integrating electric vans into existing operational processes. This ranges from advice to conception and the establishment of your own efficient charging infrastructure. Here, too, we benefit greatly from the expertise that the Daimler Group has already built up in this area.
gcm: The entry into the electric future of vans has heralded. What developments and innovations can Mercedes Benz Vans customers expect in the field of electromobility in the coming years?
Andreas Böger: With the eVito in 2018 and the eSprinter in 2019, Mercedes-Benz Vans assumed an important role in the van segment for locally emission-free, commercial freight transport in urban areas. The position of the battery in the underbody of the vehicle creates a spacious interior without any restrictions in terms of loading volume, which is especially important for delivery services. With the new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer now available (combined power consumption: 26,2 kWh / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km) with a high-torque electric motor and a range of 421 kilometers, as well as the fully electric EQV MPV (combined power consumption : 26,4-26,3 kWh / 100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g / km) - as far as I know, currently the only fully electric vehicle in this class - electric passenger transport is also able to meet the requirements of electric mobility.
We have already electrified three series: eVito, eSprinter and EQV.
As a further series, the next generation of the Citan will be available with battery-electric drive, thus rounding off the electric product portfolio of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
gcm: Thank you very much, Mr. Böger.
Addendum
Interview September 2020
Cover picture: Andreas Böger, Head of Sales New Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Vans Germany - Copyright Mercedes-Benz
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