The Mercedes-Benz is showcasing its Vito E-CELL electric van at the Post Expo trade fair for the logistics industry in Stuttgart.
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 Vito E-CELL has a maximum payload of around 900 kg (1,984 lbs) and a load compartment with no restrictions on use.
This means it can assume all the usual transportation duties of a vehicle in its class and makes it an ideal choice for courier and parcel services.
The first Vito E-CELL vans have already been handed over to customers: by the end of 2010, a total of 100 had been delivered in Berlin and Stuttgart, and plans are in place for the staggered delivery of a further 2000 units across Europe.
