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Mercedes Benz Vito E-Cell Details and Photos

Mercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-CellMercedes Benz Vito E-Cell
German manufacturer Mercedes Benz released today details of the electric version of their Vito van, the first vehicle in its class to receive ex factory battery-electric drive. According to Mercedes, production of a test fleet of 100 units has already commenced, with an additional 2,000 units to be produced in 2011.

The vehicle has an operating range of 130 km and a payload of around 900 kg, depending on equipment specifications. It is propelled by a permanent synchronous electric motor with an output of 60 kW (peak output of 70 kW) and 280 Nm of torque. The power is relayed to the wheels via a single-speed transmission especially developed for the Vito.

To maximize the electricity given by the batteries, the van has been electronically limited to a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The lithium-ion batteries, located under the load compartment floor, have a capacity of 36 kWh, 32 kWh of which are used to power the vehicle.

The Vito E-cell comes equipped with a Watchdog safety system, which helps avoid power losses damage caused by unauthorized access to the vehicle. Watchdog deactivates the high-voltage network when not in use.

The van will be charged from charging stations provided by EnBW and Vattenfall for the test program. They can also be recharged from 230 volt mains thanks to an additional charging cable with a conventional domestic power plug. A KERS-like system is also used to recharge the batteries when the driver applies the brakes.

Otherwise, the E-Cell Vito features the same characteristics of any other Vito model. Based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Vito with a standard roof, the van packs a multifunction steering wheel, heatable and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, a two-seater bench for the co-driver, two sliding doors, a tailgate and the "CARGO" equipment package.

The van is also fitted with a reversing camera with a monitor in the cab's COMAND system, ESP, driver airbag and double co-driver airbag.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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