Mercedes-Benz has released the first specifications of an architecture it has been working on for future electric vans, minivans and everything in between. Dubbed the Van.EA, it is set to become standard for all Mercedes vans by 2027. By 2030, EVs are expected to constitute more than a half of the Mercedes-Benz Vans lineup.
To begin with, the new platform is completely electric and offers no legacy support for IC engines. It comprises three main units: front end (includes suspension and motors, is uniform across the entire model range), the middle (varies in size depending on wheelbase and battery requirements), and rear end (may include an extra e-motor or go without one).
The projected driving range per charge is over 500 kilometers, or 310+ miles. The company also claims that from the very start, all Van.EA vehicles will ship equipped with everything necessary for SAE Level 2 self-driving. Depending on the purpose of the specific model, the automaker plans to upgrade the system to either Level 3 or Level 4 by the end of the decade.
The unitized approach to production will enable cutting manufacturing costs substantially compared to the current levels. Mercedes-Benz goes as far as to claim that Van.EA will enable it to differentiate models more strongly from each other – for instance, build luxury MPVs that don’t even resemble affordable LCVs in the slightest.
The new electric cars are expected to become available in all regions the company considers its main markets, including Europe, the United States and China.