Germany automotive giant Mercedes-Benz has unveiled details of its new eVito Tourer, a passenger version of its eVito van offering up to nine seats in various configurations and a 201bhp electric motor driving the front wheels.
Mercedes-Benz is looking to get in on providing electric last-mile vehicles, explaining that “In order to keep traffic moving over the last mile in the future, the purely electric drive of medium-sized vans is the next sensible step.”
Available in two lengths – either 5,140 mm or 5,370 mm – the new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer can have two rear bench seats for use as a shuttle, or up to nine seats and face-to-face seating.
The new eVito Tourer comes as standard with a water-cooled on-board 11kW AC charger meaning it can be charged at home or at public charging stations through a CCS-charging connection.
Mercedes-Benz claims the eVito Tourer can be charged from 10-80% in under 45 minutes at a 110kW rapid charging station and at max charge boasts a range of 421 kilometres.
A full charge at home using a wallbox will take just under 10 hours.
“The new Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer sets benchmarks in its segment with regard to everyday suitability and usability,” said Benjamin Kaehler, head of electric vans at Mercedes-Benz Vans in a statement.
“Thanks to the rapid charging function and to a higher range –compared to its predecessor – it can be used flexible. It underscores our idea of a locally emission-free van.”
The eVito Tourer also charges its batteries when driving, with the mechanical rotation of overrun or braking mode transformed into electric energy and used for charging the battery.
Drivers can influence the regenerative braking via the gearshift paddles while the vehicle’s recuperation mode can recognise traffic signs and information from the safety assistance systems to adjust energy recuperation depending on the situation and in real time.
“The extensive range of new assistance systems and the new engine generation continues the Vito’s success story and makes it even more attractive,” said Pia Herkewitz, Product/Marketing Management Mercedes-Benz Midsize Vans.
“The Vito is still uncompromising when it comes to operating costs or the desire for low emissions. As before, the payload and diversity of variants are among the best in the segment. The new infotainment offerings also meet the increased demands of our commercial customers.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.