Mercedes-Benz is electrifying the V-Class as VAN.EA

Two disguised prototypes of the new Mercedes electric van are undergoing testing in Europe at present. The roofline is more aesthetically interesting than that of the current vans. That is presumably for improved aero and increased efficiency and range.

Mercedes previously said that both the V-Class and the Vito delivery van will be using new modular, scalable and flexible architecture. The new platform for electric load-carriers is dubbed VAN.EA. This would also allow for obvious differentiation between delivery van, MPV and luxurious shuttle variants.

VAN.EA comes with 800V electricals and a 22kW AC charger. Front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive powertrains will be on offer. Some will have over 500km of range between charges. 

Level-two autonomy will be available at launch, with level three and four (the latter being full autonomy for Vito) promised by 2030. 

The new V-Class arrives as the luxury van segment is growing rapidly in China and other Asian markets. Zeekr launched its 009 van last year and followed it up with Mix, an ID Buzz competitor. Volvo sells its own modified 009 version as the EM90 while Lexus has the hybrid LM.

Mercedes believes: “Substantial growth potential is being seen in the US for premium commercial large vans and in China for luxury private vans.”