Mercedes-Benz doesn’t just produce cars. They also have an entire division dedicated to manufacturing commercial vehicles.
And this division, known as Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, deals exclusively with vehicles that are used for commercial purposes. Think trucks, vans and even buses too.
In keeping with the group’s drive for electrification, this featured van is, if you haven’t guess from its name, fully electric.
2023 Mercedes-Benz eVito Technical Specifications
e-Volution For The Future
The Vito was first launched in 1996, with the current generation having been launched in 2014. The eVito itself was launched in 2017, and facelifted in 2020.
Mercedes-Benz introduced some mechanical changes alongside the aesthetic updates in the van’s refresh. It now has a larger battery, improving range to 327 kilometres compared to less than 200 kilometres in the pre-facelift model. Horsepower numbers remain at 114 bhp, whereas torque improves to 360 Nm, with power being sent to the front wheels.
Lest you think 114 bhp isn’t enough, remember that 360 Nm of torque is available from zero RPMs. So the van never feels sluggish even if you have a full load onboard.
Smaller Battery But No Less Range
With a 60 kWh battery, the eVito’s battery capacity is certainly lacking when compared to some of its rivals. Mercedes-Benz worked on improving the eVito’s efficiency, so it actually has greater range than similar European electric vans.
It does this by having strong regenerative braking, with the system programmed to recuperate energy more aggressively and feed it back into the battery. Even at the gentlest setting, it is already fairly pronounced, and almost comparable to other electric vans in their most aggressive setting.
Toggling to the strongest of the three settings with the steering wheel mounted paddles, and the eVito is able to reduce its speed from 70 km/h to 10 km/h with as much efficiency as its friction brakes, with the remaining speed easily scrubbed using said friction brakes.
We achieved a real-world range of about 280 kilometres, though this writer certainly has a heavier right foot. That is still more than sufficient for an entire day’s worth of driving. With a lighter foot, it should be able to attain the manufacturer’s claimed range.
The eVito has a maximum DC charging rate of 50 kW, a flat battery can be replenished within an hour. AC charging is best for battery longevity, with a maximum rate of 11 kW and about seven hours for a full charge.
A Practical and Familiar Interior
With a class leading capacity of 6000 litres, there aren’t many things that will not fit in the back. For context, two big boxes meant for washing machines will fit without fuss, plus enough space remaining for several more smaller boxes. In terms of weight, there is a maximum load limit of 800 kilograms, which is more than sufficient for most.
Up front, there is space for three people to sit comfortably. While the seats in this particular unit are upholstered in cloth, vinyl can be specified if desired. Being a Mercedes-Benz product, the eVito shares some similarities with its cars.
The steering wheel, gear selector, cabin switchgear, and even the cruise control stalk have been transplanted from older models of the late 2010s, albeit covered in hardy black vinyl or made out of hard plastic.
There’s A Reason Why It’s Popular
The Vito range, and by extension the eVito, have been a familiar sight not only on Singapore roads, but globally too. Well built and capable, it is little wonder why they have continued to be a popular choice.
The eVito is no more difficult to drive than a large car, especially with the large mirrors and good overall visibility. While there is little to no feedback from the steering wheel, it is nicely boosted and doesn’t require much effort to do lock-to-lock turns. And if desired, windows can also be installed to replace the metal panels, allowing more light in.
Is It e-nough?
Priced at $172,988 with COE (prices accurate at press time), the eVito is not the most affordable electric van. However, do remember that the government is still incentivising the purchasing of an electric commercial vehicle until the end of 2023, if that is the push you need on deciding whether to go electric.
And if you need any further assurance, what you get when buying a Mercedes-Benz isn’t just the engineering and recognition, but also the comprehensive warranty offered by Cycle & Carriage, the authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz in Singapore.
All that remains is, how willing are you to make this push towards greener mobility?
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