Mercedes-Benz is pushing forward with its electric vehicle (EV) development, and the van division is finally reaping the rewards. A recent test drive of the new electric VAN.EA platform showcased significant advances. Andreas Zygan, Mercedes’ top van developer, expressed relief and excitement after a successful journey to the North Cape.
A Marathon of Testing
Instead of the usual short drives undertaken during prototype testing, Zygan embarked on a marathon trip with the next-generation V-Class. Engineers drove the vehicle from Stuttgart to the North Cape, covering 3,343 kilometers at an average speed of 74.5 kph, with numerous charging stops. The team encountered no breakdowns or significant problems. “We’ve never embarked on an experiment like this so early on,” Zygan said, highlighting the new development approach of using software projects as a model. “We do small sprints in cross-functional teams and work in parallel on the road and the computer.” This should save up to 25% of the typical development time.
Catching Up in Electrification
Mercedes needs to quickly electrify its vans. While the EQV and its commercial counterpart, the Vito, recently received updates, they were primarily cosmetic. The current drive systems are not yet competitive, especially when considering the new high-end competition from Asia. Luxury EVs, such as the Denza D9, Lexus LM, and even the Volvo EM90, are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives, challenging even the S-Class and Maybach.
Existing electric vans, such as the Sprinter, have been updated with a modular drive system, including an electric rear axle. However, a maximum range of 440 kilometers and charging capacities of 11 or 115 kW aren’t sufficient to compete with models like the new Renault Master or dedicated electric vans such as the Rivian EDV-500 or upcoming Kia models.
The VAN.EA Architecture
Zygan and his boss, Mathias Geisen, are eager for the VAN.EA to be ready. Like the MMA platform for passenger cars, Zygan’s electric architecture aims to transform Mercedes’ vans. It promises competitive drive systems featuring 800-volt technology, a 22 kW AC charger, the option of all-wheel drive and batteries for a range exceeding 500 kilometers.
Furthermore, the VAN.EA will integrate the new MB.OS operating system for infotainment, similar to the S-Class, and assistance systems that can be upgraded to autopilot. The platform is flexible, designed to cover the entire van portfolio from the V-Class and up. Plans suggest the Citan and T-Class, arising from the collaboration with Renault, will eventually be phased out. There will be a standardized front module for all variants, a center module to scale the vehicle’s length for different battery sizes, and a rear module offering a tag-along axle or a second motor for electric all-wheel drive.
While the company aims to reduce technical variants by 50% through a modular system, individualization in design will take center stage. According to Geisen, Zygan, and van designer Kai Sieber, the V-Class will move away from maximizing space utilization, embracing curves and shedding sharp edges. The commercial vehicle versions, successors to the Vito and Sprinter, are planned to be more angular and boxy for improved practicality.
Early Drive Impressions
Zygan offered an early opportunity to test a VAN.EA prototype that had just returned from the North Cape, two years before the market launch. Although the prototype still used the old bodywork with camouflage, the significantly wider track width was noticeable. Inside, there were few signs of the large screen landscape that Sieber envisioned, nor of Zygan’s ‘S-Class among vans’ vision. Engineers were working amidst computers and measuring instruments due to the lack of luxurious captain’s chairs.
The driving experience, however, was impressive. The van offered a gentle, smooth ride and powerful acceleration, feeling more like an S-Class than a Sprinter. It was significantly faster and easier to handle than the EQV, which is limited to 140 kph. Like other electric platforms, it had a noticeably smaller turning circle. Whether navigating traffic or parallel parking, chauffeurs will have a lot to look forward to.
Performance Expectations
It’s expected that the vehicle will have a battery capacity exceeding 100 kWh, providing a range of over 500 kilometers. Given the speeds observed in the test drive, the van likely has 300 kW of power distributed across the two axles. More details, however, will have to wait. The new V-Class, powered by EQ technology, is scheduled for launch in 2026 as the first model in the VAN.EA family.
Mercedes is aware that not all customers are ready for an EV change, and with recent cooling of electric vehicle enthusiasm, there will be no radical transition. The VAN.EA and existing models will be offered in parallel for the time being, according to Zygan.
