Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell Passes Tests in Extreme Cold

The prototype of the Mercedes-Benz Vito with battery-electric drive recently underwent testing in freezing temperatures of up to minus 30 degrees during both day and night, as well as intensive handling tests on sheet ice, compacted snow and public roads. The results were encouraging, as the Vito with electric drive managed to pass all these tests.

Van developers traditionally test new vehicles and components each winter in the far north, in Arjeplog, Sweden, just an hour's drive from the polar circle.

The Vito with electric drive had to pass all the test which a combustion-engined Vito has to endure. And so it did. But the challenges are not over yet for the zero-emission van prior to the start of series production. It will further face other endurance tests in the Alps, in the heat of Spain and also on other continuous operation routes, the manufacturer says.

Safety wise, the Vito with electric drive will come with ESP as standard, which combines the functions of both ABS and ASR, as well as the same number and type of airbags currently available on the Vito range.

The van is powered by a lithium-ion battery with an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh. The Vito’s range averages 130 km and has an electronically limited top speed of 80 km/h. According to Daimler, the electric motor delivers a peak output of 90 kW.

There is also no loss in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered Vito, the manufacturer assures.