German auto brand Mercedes-Benz has started taking orders in Europe for its EQV electric van, billing it as a zero emissions option for families, recreation and business.
The EQV van, which is also available in a long wheelbase variant under the moniker EQV300, will be priced from €71,388.10 ($A118,592 converted), and with a 90kWh battery (usable capacity), offering up to 418km driving range (WLTP), and peak 150kW power output from its front motor delivering 362Nm torque.
As the second all-electric model to fall under the German brand’s electric EQ family, it joins the EQC electric SUV which was launched in Australia in late 2019.
More significantly it joins Mercedes-Benz’ eVito and eSprinter, meaning there are now all-electric versions of almost every transport van the German brand has to offer.
But the EQV is more than just a cargo van, Mercedes-Benz is keen to point out.
With an underfloor battery, Mercedes-Benz has opened up flexibility of use. According to a press release, it offers a wide range of configuration options including upscale transport in a 6-seater configuration, or as a people mover when kitted with 7 or 8 seats.
Sans seats, it offers plenty of space for business or for those needing a transport option for personal recreation items.
“Whether for the environmentally conscious family, the recreational athlete or as a shuttle vehicle – our EQV offers superior driving performance, long range as well as a generous range of space – and all this locally emission-free” said Andreas Böger, head of sales for Mercedes-Benz transporter and vans in Germany, in a statement to the press.
As a member of the EQ family, the EQV comes with the high-tech MBUX multimedia system, which includes intelligent voice control that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”.
Dash displays allow access to EQ-specific controls including charge rate limiting, pre-heating and aircon, and viewing energy consumption.
Recharging the EQV can be done in approximately 45 minutes from 10-80% state of charge using a DC fast charger at a maximum 110kW charge rate, or at home on a wallbox at a maximum charge rate of 11kW in less than 10 hours.
Using the EQV’s “Electrical Intelligence” system allows the driver to calculate the fastest and most appropriate route to a destination to ensure the fewest and shortest charging stops.
The base version of the EQV is 5,140mm long with a 3,200mm wheelbase, and the EQV300 comes in at 5,370mm in length with a 3,430mm wheelbase.
The EQV will be built at Mercedes-Benz Vitoria plant in Spain, the same factory where the V-Class and Vito are produced.
Purchase costs include 4 years’ maintenance, and Mercedes-Benz offers an 8-year/160,000km warranty for the EQV battery.
Also included in the EQV purchase price are membership to the European-based Mercedes me Charge (partnered) and Ionity charging networks for twelve months each, as well as the Mercedes me remote and navigation services with a term of 36 months.
Update: Mercedes-Benz in Australia says that the intention is to offer Mercedes-Benz vans in Australia after initial rollout to European markets, although a specific timeline is yet to be confirmed.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.