Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Vito E-CELL electric van for the European market that going on sale in 2011.
Mercedes will produce 100 Vito E-CELL vans by the end of this year with another 2,000 coming in 2011.
The Mercedes Vito E-CELL is powered by a permanent synchronous electric motor that develops 60 kW of continuous power, with a 70 kW peak output and 280 Nm of torque.
The power for the electric motor comes from a 36 kWh, 32 kWh of which are used to power the vehicle. The battery pack of the Vito E-CELL has 16 modules with a total of 192 cells which are deactivated when the vehicle is not in use.
The power modules, located under the cargo floor, will allow the Vito E-CELL to travel a maximum of 130 kilometers (80 miles), after which will require six hours to charge using a 400-volt power source.
To maximize the electricity given by the batteries, the Mercedes Vito E-CELL has been electronically limited to a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
The batteries, electric motor, converter and other electrical components of the drive system are water-cooled to optimize the durability of the drivetrain.
The Mercedes Vito E-CELL retains the same cargo area volume as the standard diesel Vito, which means even with the weighty battery pack onboard payload stands at a respectable 900kg – approximately 50kg less than on the diesel version.
Mercedes-Benz will deliver 100 Vito E-CELL vans to customers between August and December this year. Half each will be taken into operation in Berlin and Stuttgart, and further units will be used in the Basque region of Spain early next year.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
