Mercedes Vito E-Cell Electric Van Has Refrigerator Option

We've seen electric cars and bikes, but there might be an opportunity for something even bigger: Make room for the electric van.

As the largest truck maker in the world—not counting pick-ups—Mercedes makes a range of vans. The smallest model goes by the name of Vito, because it's built in Vitoria (Spain). It's a popular van all over Europe. It's possible to get a family version, but most buyers are professional, choosing the paneled model. Standard Vitos are diesels, and there's a choice of wheelbases, standard roof or high roof, rear drive or all-wheel drive. The electric one is only available with the standard roof and the long wheelbase.

Mercedes Vito E-Cell electric van

Surprisingly, its transmission is unique, and it's front-wheel drive. Maybe it was to free up space under the load compartment floor. There are 36 kilowatts worth of lithium-ion cells there, of which 32 kWh are available to power the vehicle. Range is 80 miles. Considering the diesel version can drive more than 600 miles between fill-ups, that doesn't sound like much, but Mercedes explains that the daily mileage of a small van is below 50 miles (in Germany). Load compartment and payload are more important. Space is exactly the same as the diesel model, and this electric Vito can carry 900 kg (1,984 pounds). That should be enough for most inner-city deliveries where the Vito E-Cell is expected to run. The motor develops a continuous output of 60 kW, and a peak of 70 kW. Torque is 207 lb-ft.

Under the hood of the Mercedes Vito E-Cell electric van

The electric Vito is a production vehicle, available via a lease in several European countries, but you can't buy it. Mercedes is proud to say that it's built alongside the standard diesel model. Of course, it's much more expensive than the diesel Vito, so expensive that Mercedes doesn't reveal the price in its sales brochure, but the manufacturer says that "fueling cost" is four to seven times cheaper. Two chargers are built-in, one for 400V current, another one for standard 230V. Charging time is 6 or 12 hours. Mercedes expects its customers will be professionals, who will get a 400V socket, since it has fitted its Vito with a scheduler that will take advantage of cheaper night rate electricity. As the late night commercial pitchman says, "But that's not all." How about a refrigerator?

Mercedes Vito E-Cell electric refrigerator van

Refrigerator van specialist Kerstner, a Mercedes supplier, has recently introduced a refrigerator van variant of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell. This is a world's first. Most people wouldn't have thought of it, but Mercedes received calls from customers, clamoring for a zero-emission refrigerator vehicle. To avoid causing any restrictions on the Vito E-CELL's range, the refrigeration set-up is totally independent from the propulsion system. There is a a separate lithium-ion battery, which comes complete with its own charger, to power the flat refrigerator unit fitted on the roof. The only penalty is a payload reduced by 75 kg (165 pounds), and a load compartment slightly reduced too, because of the extra insulation (diamond-tread aluminium sheeting on the floor). Kerstner says its battery should last 3,000 cycles but charging will require two plugs. The refrigerator runs between 6 and 10 hours on a charge. Mercedes advertises it as clean and cool, zero emission outside and zero degree inside (Celsius).

Mercedes has already built more than 400 Vitos E-Cell. We don't know how many have been fitted with the refrigerator, but the plan is to make 2,000 of them. They're not available in America, but there might be a great business opportunity in Silicon Valley for an all-electric ice cream electric truck. Just don't forget the chocolate sauce.