Mercedes-Benz eVito 2022 breaks cover

We have been waiting for it a while now, but at last Mercedes-Benz have announced the launch of the latest version of the eVito which they boast ‘takes it to the next level’, and will be available to order by UK customers, with production and first deliveries starting in March.

Battery and Range

The version has a 66 kWh lithium-ion battery increasing the potential range to 162-mile range and according to Mercedes-Benz it can be restored to 80% of full usable capacity in just 35 minutes when using a 80kW DC charger even a more practical rate of 50kW would see this extended by around just 15 minutes.

Of course a short stop to recharge such as that can extend the vehicle’s range by approximately 105 miles (WLTP combined). Looking at AC charging to 100% capacity takes six-and-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger, and approximately 20 hours using a regular domestic power outlet. eVito customers can take advantage of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ home charge point offers, which are redeemable via its infrastructure partners EO and New Motion. EO charging can also support customers with depot and business charging rollouts.

Gearshift paddles by either side of the steering wheel allows the driver to manually adjust the brake regeneration mode tery charge is extended through the recovery of energy when decelerating. In the latest version is a DAUTO recuperation mode, which determines whether the van should glide with least possible resistance, or decelerate and recover energy into the battery.

The eVito’s electric motor drives the front wheels, delivering peak and steady outputs of 116 hp and 95 hp respectively, and up to 360 Nm of torque. The 3.2-tonne vehicle offers a payload allowance of up to 807 kg and a maximum load volume of 6.6m3 – the battery is safely housed beneath the floor, so does not impinge on the available space.

Safety

The eVito achieves a ‘Gold’ rating from the independent crash testing body Euro NCAP. and has standard features such as:

  • Active Brake Assist with pedestrian recognition technology;
  • Attention Assist, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks when tired; and
  • Cruise Control with Adaptive speed limiter function.

As with all Mercedes-Benz vans, the eVito comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, although the battery cover extends to eight years or 160,000 km. Anti-theft protection in the form of double locks and a Thatcham Category 1-approved alarm, and award-winning MobiloVan support with free, round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance including out-of-charge cover, add further peace of mind for customers.

Interior

The eVito comes with a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, and a three-year subscription to the Mercedes me app providing connectivity via digital devices to a variety of services, including remote eCharging, Navigation with Electronic Intelligence, which allows routes to be plotted with reference to public charge points, and live tracking and remote locking.

Drivers can use the pre-conditioning function in the Mercedes me app to programme cooling or heating of their van while it is charging, conserving battery life and maximising range, while simultaneously ensuring the cab temperature is perfectly comfortable from the ‘off’.

To minimise vehicle downtime, Mercedes me also monitors the ‘health’ of critical parts and provides real-time updates on upcoming maintenance requirements that can be relayed remotely to the customer’s official Mercedes-Benz Dealer.

Trim Levels

Ther are two trim levels, the Progressive and Premium with the Progressive featuring conditioning, a Comfort driver’s seat with heating, a reversing camera, and the AUDIO 30 entertainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new Premium features such as metallic paint with colour-coded bumpers, 17-inch, aerodynamically-optimised light alloy wheels, a chrome grille and a leather-covered steering wheel, along with practical driver aids including PARKTRONIC parking sensors, front fog lights, electrically-folding door mirrors and lumbar support for the seat.

Pricing and option pack

Prices for new eVito panel van start at £ 43,600 for the L2 PROGRESSIVE variant, excluding VAT and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant contribution, which is currently worth £5,000. There are also four optional packages starting at £432. for the Load Area Package, Technology Package PLUS, Comfort Package PLUS and Driver Assistance Package.