Mercedes Mobility BEV Push With MPV

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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22nd August 2019

Much is being expected from Mercedes-Benz’s mobility future with the global reveal of its all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV people carrier at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019.

The concept LCV shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March is now a production ready MPV that claims a range of 251 miles with a 90 kWh battery pack able to take rapid charging from 10% to 80% in less than an hour. It will be built at the automaker’s plant in Vitoria in northern Spain, where the V-Class and Vito are also made.

Its drive train is placed on the front axle under the dynamic front end of the car with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150 kW. The electric motor, the transmission with a fixed gear ratio, the cooling system and the power electronics are integrated in a single compact unit. The only performance figure released so far is a top speed of 99mph.

The vehicle is equipped with a water-cooled on-board charger with a capacity of 11 kW, enabling AC charging at home or at public charging stations.

With six individual seats, the Mercedes-Benz EQV offers shuttle vehicle capabilities  whether for private or commercial users and its flexible installation of individual or bench seats also allows the vehicle to be converted into a seven or an eight-seater.

Vehicle range is enhanced by intelligent recuperation and different driving modes. When accelerating or braking, energy recuperation is harnessed while the driver can also influence on recuperation by using paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. At the weakest level the vehicle “coasts”, while at the strongest level it is possible to drive using a single pedal using the braking qualities of the energy regeneration mechanisms.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_