Mercedes-Benz unveils its first fully electric van, the EQV

Mercedes-Benz seems to be on an all-electric spree – while the EQC is all set to go on sale in India, the EQV is ready for sales internationally! The EQV is based on the V-Class, but the internal combustion engine has been swapped out for an electric motor and it has a floor made of batteries. Like the V-Class, it is available in two variants – Long and Extra-long.

The Mercedes-Benz EQV packs a 201bhp, 362Nm electric motor, which derives power from a 90kWh battery. Mercedes claims a full-charge range of 418 kilometres from the EQV. It will also host the MBUX infotainment system, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Adding to the list of conveniences is the van’s 1410-litre stowage and seating capacity of up to eight people.

The Mercedes-Benz EQV will sport AIRMATIC suspension as an option, giving the car the ability to raise or lower its ride height. The EQV will also benefit from a low centre of gravity, like most other electric vehicles which have their batteries stored low down in the floor of the vehicle. The battery pack is compatible with DC fast charging up to 110kW and will fill up in an estimated 45 minutes. On normal 11kW charging, it will take less than 10 hours for a full charge.

The EQV will come with five modes of regenerative braking and four driving modes, namely C, E, E+ and S. While C and S get the full power output, the E and E+ modes are aimed at efficiency and will deliver 134bhp and 107bhp, respectively, while they can also deliver the full output in kickdown. However, the 362Nm peak torque output remains the same across all modes.

The EQV will be sold in two variants, the EQV 300 Long and Extra-long. What sets these two apart, is the wheelbase and storage capacity. The 300 Long has a wheelbase of 3200mm and 1030 litres of storage while the Extra-long will have a 3430mm wheelbase and 1410 litres of luggage capacity. Both cars will have an electronically limited top speed of 140kmph while you can opt for 160kmph as well. The Extra-long has a range of 417 kilometres, one less than the 300 Long.

Mercedes-Benz is rapidly ramping up its electric car capabilities. While the EQC and EQV are based on ICE cars, you can expect to see EVs based on bespoke EV platforms soon enough!