The vans arm of German OEM Mercedes has begun testing the first prototype e-van built on its Mercedes‑Benz Van Electric Architecture, or VAN.EA, architecture on public roads. It is targeting launch of the platform in two years’ time.
In June, a specially constructed vehicle for testing the chassis, electric powertrain, battery and high-voltage components made a long-distance journey from Stuttgart in southwest Germany to the North Cape in northern Norway. The current road tests focus on the interaction of all components in the overall vehicle. This winter, the next step will be cold testing in Sweden.
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From 2026, all newly developed medium and large Mercedes vans will be based on the new electric architecture, which the firm describes as modular, flexible and scalable.
Mercedes promises that VAN.EA will allow “for a clear differentiation between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment”. In the former, it plans a portfolio ranging from “family vans to exclusive VIP shuttles to luxurious and spacious limousines”.
All new vans will be equipped with the latest version of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), as well as a 800v charging system and a 22kW AC charger.
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