Next-generation Mercedes-Benz electric vans will be able to charge faster thanks to an 800-volt electrical architecture and a 22-kw AC onboard charger.
Those are two of the details confirmed by Mercedes Thursday as the automaker was cold-weather testing these new vans in Arjeplog, Sweden, a popular spot in the Arctic Circle for such testing.
Prototype for Mercedes-Benz electric midsize van based on Van.EA platform
Current electric vans like the eSprinter are derived from internal-combustion models, but Mercedes is taking an electric-first approach with its next generation of vans. Electric models will be based on a new architecture called Van.EA, with combustion models using a derivative of that architecture called Van.CA.
In addition to more powerful charging, the Van.EA models will be available with four-wheel steering and all-wheel drive—features that are common on the automaker’s electric passenger cars but that haven’t been offered on its electric vans. All-wheel-drive models are expected to have dual motors, and single-motor models will be configured for front-wheel drive, instead of rear-wheel drive, as in the current eSprinter.
Prototype for Mercedes-Benz electric midsize van based on Van.EA platform
Mercedes plans to offer the typical array of work vehicles, plus a more luxurious model that will be previewed by a concept dubbed the Vision V. Production is scheduled to start next year.
Expect more commingling of Mercedes’ electric and internal-combustion model lines. The next-generation 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will be offered with all-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains. Mercedes also recently confirmed electric versions of the larger C-Class and E-Class sedans, as well as the GLC-Class crossover. A prototype electric GLC was also recently tested in Arjeplog.
