Mercedes-Benz To Launch Battery-powered Vito

Mercedes-Benz is all set to unveil a new prototype of a battery-powered van based on the Mercedes-Benz 'Vito', at the informal EU competitiveness council meeting in San Sebastián from February 7-10, 2010.

The experimental vehicle is said to be the first van globally to incorporate electric drive system ex factory. The vehicle is an outcome of R&D activities at Daimler AG which are focused on three aspects: optimising combustion engines, improving efficiency via custom hybrid components, and emission-free vehicle operation deploying batteries and fuel cells.

During 2010, around 100 Mercedes-Benz Vito vans will be delivered to 20 customers, primarily fleet operators and public institutions wishing to transport items in environmentally sensitive zones with zero emissions, including no CO2 emissions and low noise. The production of a further 2000 vehicles is planned in the next phase.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the drive configuration is designed solely to run on battery power and thus dispensing with powertrain intended for combustion engines. A battery featuring lithium-ion technology supplies energy to the Vito. With an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh, it’s range averages 130 km but can be higher given an appropriate driving style. The electric motor delivers a peak output of 90 kW.

In addition, all Vito vehicles come with ESP as standard, which incorporates ABS and ASR. The number and type of airbags also corresponds with the current Vito specification. The load capacity of Vito is in excess of 900 kg.