Electric option coming to Mercedes Vito van leasing?
Friday 26 February 2010 Back to Blog
Mercedes Vito van leasing customers may soon get the option of an electric version following an unveiling by the manufacturer.
The German van and car maker has revealed an electrically powered Vito at a meeting of the European Council in Spain, which is looking to promote green vehicles across the continent.
Designed for fleet operators that need to travel short distances and make frequent stops, the new model comes with a range of 80 miles and can hit top speeds of 50mph.
This is garnered by a lithium-ion battery which powers a 90kw electric motor.
The vehicle is still only in the prototype stage of development, but Mercedes plans to build 100 Vitos to distribute to 20 fleet operators and public institutions that operate in environmentally sensitive zones.
A second phase of production will see as many as 2000 electric vans being manufactured. The Mercedes Vito was recently voted the most desirable van if money were no object in a poll from van insurance company Swinton Commercial.