Mercedes has prepared a replacement for the EQV: the VLE electric minivan-utility vehicle has been officially unveiled
Mercedes-Benz is finalising testing of the new VLE, the first member of a future family of electric minivans that will debut next year.
Here's What We Know
Unlike the current EQV, which is based on the commercial Vito, the VLE is built from scratch on the new VAN.EA (Van Electric Architecture) modular platform. It is positioned as an analogue of the E-Class in the MPV segment - spacious, but not premium to the extreme. More expensive and luxurious version VLS in Mercedes is called no other than "grand limousine".
The new VLE is aimed at large families and taxi fleets. It is now undergoing final road tests. One of the key tests is the 1100 kilometre journey from Stuttgart to Rome through the Alps. It took 13 hours to cover the route, with two stops of 15 minutes each for charging. The cabin was cooled down to a comfortable 22 °C the whole time. Mercedes has not yet announced the official power reserve, but judging by the distance and duration of the trip, in real conditions it is between 400 and 480 kilometres.
In addition to the eight-seat passenger version, the VLE is expected to be the basis for many modifications - for example, the next-generation Marco Polo electric camper.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
