Mercedes-Benz is testing prototypes of its next-generation electrical vans forward of their scheduled debut in 2026.
Not like the present eSprinter and different smaller electrical fashions offered in Europe which can be based mostly on current combustion fashions, the brand new vans will debut a devoted EV platform referred to as Van.EA. Each Mercedes van launched after 2026 will use this platform, which offers a shared set of elements and modules accommodating midsize and enormous vans.
Mercedes beforehand confirmed that this modularity will probably be achieved with three essential blocks, together with entrance and rear blocks designed to accommodate electrical motors. In one other distinction from the rear-wheel-drive eSprinter, the longer term Van.EA fashions may have front-wheel drive in single-motor type, and also will provide dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz Van.EA prototypes by way of Mercedes-Benz
Prototypes made a take a look at run from Mercedes’ hometown of Stuttgart, Germany, to Norway’s North Cape in early June of this yr, in response to the automaker. Subsequent they’re going to 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 based mostly on the Van.EA platform. Mercedes has additionally mentioned that its Van.EA plans embrace 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 to date solely be had by way of aftermarket conversion.
Van.EA is considered one of a number of electrical architectures being developed by Mercedes, together with the brand new MMA platform which will assist a Tesla Mannequin Y-fighting electrical crossover. Nonetheless Mercedes in February delayed EV gross sales targets that may have seen it go all-electric by 2030, and nonetheless hasn’t confirmed an finish date for gross sales of internal-combustion vans.