Mercedes-Benz is testing prototypes of its next-generation electrical vans forward of their scheduled debut in 2026.
In contrast to the present eSprinter and different smaller electrical fashions bought in Europe which can be primarily based on current combustion fashions, the brand new vans will debut a devoted EV platform known as Van.EA. Each Mercedes van launched after 2026 will use this platform, which gives a shared set of parts and modules accommodating midsize and huge vans.
Mercedes beforehand confirmed that this modularity shall be achieved with three major blocks, together with entrance and rear blocks designed to deal with electrical motors. In one other distinction from the rear-wheel-drive eSprinter, the longer term Van.EA fashions could have front-wheel drive in single-motor kind, and also will provide dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz Van.EA prototypes by way of Mercedes-Benz
Prototypes made a check run from Mercedes’ hometown of Stuttgart, Germany, to Norway’s North Cape in early June of this yr, based on the automaker. Subsequent they will be despatched to Sweden for winter testing.
Along with typical passenger and cargo vans, Mercedes final yr confirmed a U.S.-bound electrical luxurious van primarily based on the Van.EA platform. Mercedes has additionally stated that its Van.EA plans embody electrical RVs, though it hasn’t confirmed any for the U.S. as an alternative choice to the VW ID.Buzz camper van that may thus far solely be had by way of aftermarket conversion.
Van.EA is one among a number of electrical structures being developed by Mercedes, together with the brand new MMA platform that will help a Tesla Mannequin Y-fighting electrical crossover. Nevertheless Mercedes in February delayed EV gross sales targets that will have seen it go all-electric by 2030, and nonetheless hasn’t confirmed an finish date for gross sales of internal-combustion vans.
