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.
