Electric van range roll-out

Mercedes-Bens Vans NZ is getting ready to offer all lines of its commercial van models with electric drive.

It’s also planning to add the first fully electric premium MPV from Mercedes-Benz to the existing line-up. 

The roll-out is slated to is planned to start in the second half of 2022 with mid-size eVito panel van, eVito Tourer, eSprinter, pictured, and EQV.

Thanks to the flexibility of the marque’s global production strategy, it is intending to offer conventional and battery-electric vans side by side, and is preparing to switch to electric only in the future when customer and market demand determines it.

Globally, Mercedes-Benz Vans is driving forward the electrification of its portfolio with emissions-free electric drives.

It says the goal is a “holistic electric solution” that not only reduces the strain on cities and the environment, but also offers its customers genuine benefits.

Diane Tarr, managing director, says the focus on electric vehicles (EVs) in New Zealand is increasing as government measures are put in place to reduce transport emissions. 

She adds: “Furthermore, the electrification of vans is increasingly becoming an attractive proposition for light-commercial fleet operators looking to show commitment to sustainable practices and reduced total cost of ownership.”

Recently, Mercedes-Benz Vans secured $240,000 after applying the Low Emissions Vehicles Contestable Fund, which is overseen by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority on behalf of the government help boost the uptake of low-emissions transport. 

The project will see Mercedes-Benz Vans partner with NZ Post to pilot a combination of eSprinter and eVito vans in its fleet for an extended in-service evaluation by delivery drivers. The trial will start in early in 2022 prior to full market launch.

Tarr describes this as an exciting step towards a more sustainable future for Mercedes-Benz Vans and Kiwi buyers.

“We are confident the electric drive will gain more prevalence in New Zealand over the coming years,” she says.

“As it does, we will be ready with a strong customer-centric electric product portfolio, which offers the potential to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impacts.”

Full local specifications and pricing will be communicated closer to launch.