Passenger-prepped battery-reliant V-Class and Vito coming next year.

ELECTRIC versions of Mercedes’ V-Class and Vito minivans will be offered in New Zealand next year, alongside like-bodied commercial equivalents, some being used in a trial by NZ Post that has attracted a fat Government subsidy.

Specific details of the medium eVito Tourer (below) and large-sized, premium-trimmed EQV (above) seven-seater passenger ranges, and the work-focussed editions of each – including local pricing and specifications – won't be confirmed until closer to launch, timed for the second half of 2022.

The vehicles are under the stewardship of Mercedes-Benz Vans, which operates separately from the car division and was last making headlines with an unsuccessful pitch with the X-Class one tonne ute, a re-engineered Nissan Navara.

The operation says it intends to offer both conventional and battery-electric vans side by side, with thought to switch to electric-only in the future, when customer and market demand determines it.

Though the vehicles’ rollout is for Australia as well, media material sent out today makes special mention of New Zealand’s focus on electric vehicles.

The make has pointed out that it recently secured $240,000 through a successful project application to the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund programme; a Government fund administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to help accelerate the uptake of low emission transport.

The project will see Mercedes-Benz Vans partner with NZ Post to pilot a combination of eSprinter and eVito vans in their delivery fleet for an extended in-service evaluation by delivery drivers around New Zealand. The trial will commence early next year, a head of the model’s public availability.

Diane Tarr, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said it was a very exciting step.

“We are confident that the electric drive will gain more prevalence in New Zealand over the coming years.

“As it does, we will be ready with a strong customer centric electric product portfolio, which offers the potential to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impacts.”

In Europe both EQV and eVito Tourer models share similar powertrains, combining a 90kWh (usable capacity) lithium-ion battery pack with a front axle-mounted electric motor developing 150kW/362Nm, though only for short bursts only in the eVito.

WLTP claimed driving ranges fall between 355-356km for the EQV, and 360-361km for the eVito Tourer. Both models can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 45 minutes on a 110kW DC socket, or from zero to 100 percent in under 10 hours on an 11kW AC wallbox.

The eVito panel van offers just 148km of WLTP driving range from a 35kWh battery and 85kW electric motor.