Mercedes-Benz Beats Tesla to Building a Battery-Powered Van
Mercedes-Benz has beaten all its rivals to market with a battery-powered van that combines passenger comfort with impressive range.
A van of the future
An unusual badge on the front quarter panel of a Mercedes-Benz and one which distinguishes this as a vehicle of destiny. Mercedes-Benz has always traded strongly with its ultimate family vehicle line, the legendary V-Class vans. And now these ultimate family shuttle vehicles are going on offer with battery power.
Slick appearance
Although the EQV does not have a conventional gasoline engine powering it along, Mercedes has decided to retain some of its traditional van styling and design elements. It has a 'grille' of sorts, flanked by sweptback headlights - which are shaped with more of an aerodynamic angle than you'd encounter on a conventional V-Class.
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A plug-in van
Hidden under a flap below the driver's side headlamp, is a charging port which shows the purpose of this EQV. Whilst other brands have rushed electric SUVs and sedans to market, Mercedes-Benz has recognized the value of vans, which generally transport more people.
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It charges rapidly
Mercedes has equipped its EQV with fast recharging capability. Thanks to a water-cooled onboard charger, you'll be able to repower the EQV from 10- to 80% battery capacity in only an hour. That kind of convenience is crucial for van users, who often have impatient passengers waiting to be collected somewhere.
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Familiar V-Class values inside
The EQV's cabin will be familiar to any contemporary V-Class owner, with spaciousness and excellent ergonomics being its key features. If you want to spot a distinguishing feature, that would be in the instrumentation binnacle, where the traditional tachometer is replaced by a battery energy dial.
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EQ has MBUX too
A floating 10-inch infotainment screen sits atop the center stack and relays all crucial information to passengers. The EQV is equipped with Mercedes-Benz's MBUX digital assistant and it responds faithfully to voice prompts and commands, leaving you to concentrate on driving.
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Once inside you won't want to get out
The EQV is roomy and offers excellent occupant flexibility. It can be configured as a six-, seven- or eight-seater. Luggage capacity is great too, with up to 36 cubic feet of available to stow carry-on items. As one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, the EQV has outstanding road and wind noise insulation and despite its large van profile, it glides along in virtual silence.
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All the power is beneath you
Powering this futuristic van is a large 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack. These power cells are all mounted beneath the EQV's floor and give it excellence body roll mitigation through corners, by anchoring the van's center of gravity as low as possible.
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A front-wheel drive V-Class?
Those underfloor battery cells generate 204hp and can power the EQV to a top speed of 160mph. Unlike most other Mercedes vans, this electric one is front-wheel drive. The range is impressive, too, for a large van, with the EQV capable of running 250-miles before requiring a recharge.
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