Updated electric Mercedes eVito starts from £43,600
Bigger battery now gives the eVito medium-sized van 162 miles of range
Prices and technical details for the updated Mercedes eVito have been confirmed, including the addition of a new premium trim level. Order books for the medium-sized electric van are open now, with prices starting from £43,600 ex-VAT. Deliveries commence in March.
As well as the addition of a new, larger 66kWh battery to deliver that longer range, the eVito also gains DC fast charging for the first time. A maximum rate of 80kW is now possible, which can take the battery from 10-80 per cent capacity in 35 minutes. Mercedes claims that such a stop can add around 105 miles of range. In comparison, an 11kW home wallbox charge takes six-and-a-half hours, while a 7kW AC system sees the battery replenished in 20 hours. Mercedes has partnered with firms EO and New Motion to provide users with charge installation offers.
As before, the eVito's battery is located under the cargo floor, so there's up to 6.6 cubic metres of space inside - the same capacity as found in the diesel Vito. There's a maximum payload weight of 807kg on offer, too.
Power comes from the same front-wheel drive layout as before, with a maximum output of 114bhp from the electric motor. Paddles behind the steering wheel can adjust the amount of energy recovery possible under braking, although Mercedes has also now added a D-Auto setting, which can determine how much energy recovery is needed in particular driving situations.
Other revisions to the eVito include the addition of Premium trim to the range. This slots in above the already available Progressive model, and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, standard metallic paint, colour-coded bumpers, a chrome grille and parking sensors front and rear, among other items. Progressive trim comes in L2 (5,140mm long, £43,600) or L3 (5,370mm, £44,130) body lengths, while the Premium version (£46,900) is in L2 length only.
Mercedes is also offering four option packs that bundle tech together. The Load Area Package adds load securing rails to the floor and side panels of the cargo area, plus LED lighting and a hardwood floor. Go for the Driver Assistance Package, and you get Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane departure and blind spot warnings. The Technology Package Plus and Comfort Package Plus add luxuries and connectivity to the cab.
What is included on every eVito is a three-year subscription to the Mercedes Me app, which is operated via smartphone or the van's seven-inch touchscreen. This provides digital services, such as live traffic, route mapping to the nearest convenient charge location, and climate pre-conditioning for the cabin.
Well have a first verdict on the updated Mercedes eVito soon, but it's sure to offer stronger competition against the Citroen/Peugeot/Toyota/Vauxhall electric van quartet.
