Is called VAN.EA, the electric future second Mercedes-Benz Vans. Where the acronym stands for Van Electric Architecture. The new modular platform takes off dal 2026. On this will be built all the medium and large vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.
This includes vehicles from the range of MPVs, passenger shuttles, vans, trucks and camping models
VAN.EA, the electric future according to Mercedes Benz Vans, source official website
VAN.EA, the Mercedes-Benz Vans modular strategy
The goal of the platform VAN.EA is to get along range with optimal battery capacity, related to the weight and costs of the vehicle. The architecture is scalable and divided into three modules. That front consists of electric powertrain and axle front, the same in all variants. The other two modules are differentiated by customer.
While, in central module balance the length of the vehicle and the standardized battery container is located. Inside there are installed high voltage batteries with different capabilities.
Il rear module will be available in two versions: with electric motor for all-wheel drive variants and without electric motor for front-wheel drive variants.
By varying the composition of the three modules, VAN.EA it will allow a clear differentiation between private vehicles and commercial vehicles, but also the maximum synergy between the two types of vehicles.
VAN.EA, the electric future according to Mercedes Benz Vans, source official website
Mathias Geisenhead of MB Vans, explains: “With this single basic structure, Mercedes Benz Vans will achieve a reduction in the complexity of its EV product portfolio, with significant economies of scale.
The variants of the portfolio will come reduced by more than 50% compared to current Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEs), but will equally cover all commercial uses. With VAN.EA Mercedes-Benz Vans will ensure leadership in the electric vehicle sector“.
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VAN.EA, the offer
The modular system is in two variants. The first is the Van.Ea-Pthe medium models intended for the transport of passengers are part of it.
So vehicles at the service of large families or lovers of outdoor activities, rental companies with driver or for hotels and residential facilities. Or the maxi-limousines, with over 500 kilometers of declared autonomy and level 2 assisted driving (3 is expected by the end of this decade). The second is the Van.Ea-C for vans, chassis and medium and large trucks, ambulances. And campers/motorhomes, for which level 4 assisted driving will be offered at the same deadline at the end of the decade.
For these, the autonomy varies greatly according to weights, dimensions and applications. Both will have the proprietary operating system MB.Os. In the case of the freight versions, it will allow access by external applications to integrate into logistics networks.
At the start of production there are the German, Spanish, Polish, American, Argentinian and Chinese plants. These will share the construction of the new models and current generation models, thermal and electric.
Between 2026 and 2030 there is the phase of coexistence between the current electric Mercedes vans, the native Van.Ea and vehicles with internal combustion engines, after which the Star expects to keep only the last two groups alive. The production of the Citan and T-Class compact vehicles, and of the electric counterparts eCitan and EQT, will continue to be entrusted to Renault.
Sales target
The goal is to reach the quota of over 50% BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) by 2030with an intermediate step in 2026 by 20%. Mercedes-Benz Vans to grow in Europe. Here it has a 60% share of total worldwide sales.
While, in the United States, sales of large premium commercial vehicles are expected to increase by 2030, while for courier services, express deliveries and parcels, which grow annually by 6/8%, the German manufacturer focuses on the higher price ranges offering a specific VAN.EA CEP version. In the 2022MB Vans has achieved a market share of more than 20% in Europe for large and medium-sized electric vehicles and have already been sold over 40,000 eVans.