Engineering:Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz W639
Mercedes-Benz W639
Overview
Also called	Mercedes-Benz Viano; Mercedes-Benz Valente (Australia); Mercedes-Benz V-Class (Japan)
Production	2003–2014 (Spain); 2008–present (Mexico); 2010–2015 (China)
Assembly	Spain: Vitoria-Gasteiz (Mercedes-Benz España, S.A.); Spain: Alcobendas (Mercedes-Benz España, S.A.U.; CKD); Mexico: Santiago Tianguistenco (Mercedes-Benz Mexico); China: Fuzhou (Fujian Daimler);
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van; 4-door minibus
Layout	FR Layout; F4 Layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.1 L OM646 980 L4 Turbo Diesel (China); 2.1 L OM646 DE22 LA R L4 Diesel; 2.1 L OM651 DE22 L4 Diesel; 3.0 L OM642 V6 Diesel; 2.5 L M272 924 V6 Diesel (China); 3.0 L M272 939 V6 Diesel (China); 3.2 L M112 E32 V6 Petrol (2010–); 3.5 L M272 E35 V6 Petrol; 3.7 L M112 E37 V6 Petrol; 3.8 L Brabus V6 Petrol; 6.0 L M113 Brabus V8 Petrol
Transmission	6-speed Manual; 5-speed TouchShift (Automatic)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,200 mm (126.0 in) (SWB) ; 3,430 mm (135.0 in) (LWB)
Length	4,748–5,223 mm (186.9–205.6 in)
Width	1,906 mm (75.0 in)
Height	1,875 mm (73.8 in)
\|uk\|Kerb\|Curb}} weight	2,040–2,135 kg (4,497–4,707 lb)

Mercedes-Benz W638
Mercedes-Benz W638
Overview
Also called	Mercedes-Benz Viano; Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Production	1996–2003
Powertrain
Transmission	5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual; 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,000 mm (120 in)
Length	4,600 mm (180 in)
Width	1,870 mm (74 in)
Height	1,844 mm (72.6 in)

Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1996–1998); DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007); Daimler AG (2007–2022); Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present);
Also called	Mercedes-Benz Vito (Van); Mercedes-Benz Viano (MPV); Mercedes-Benz V-Class (MPV); Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo (Campervan); Mercedes-Benz Metris (North American Models); Mercedes-Benz EQV (electric); Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer (electric);
Production	1996–present
Body and chassis
Class	Light commercial vehicle/Large MPV (V-Class/Viano) (M)
Body style	5-door minivan; 5-door cargo van;
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz MB100 (for Vito); Mercedes-Benz Viano (for V-Class)

Short description: Light commercial van

The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a mid-sized light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by Mercedes-Benz, available as a panel van, chassis cab, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), carrying cargo or up to eight passengers. In the Mercedes-Benz van lineup, it is positioned between the larger Sprinter and the smaller Citan.

The Vito refers to the cargo van variant for commercial use; when passenger accommodations are substituted for part or all of the load area, it is known as the V-Class or Viano. The V-Class/Viano is a large MPV.

The first generation went on sale in 1996. The second generation was introduced in 2004, and the vehicle received the new Viano name. In 2010, the vehicle was facelifted with revised front and rear bumpers and lights. The interior was also improved with upgraded materials and new technology. The third generation was launched in 2014 and returned to being called V-Class.

The Vito/Viano is available in both rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations and comes in three lengths, two wheelbases and a choice of four petrol and diesel engines (as well as two specialist tuned models) coupled to either a six-speed manual or five-speed TouchShift automatic transmission.

First generation (W638; 1996)

V-Class (W 638)

Rear view

The first generation Mercedes-Benz Vito was produced between 1996 and 2003. It is powered either by a diesel engine with up to 120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS) or a gasoline engine with up to 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) and a front-wheel drive drivetrain. The range of gasoline engines consists of two old units from Mercedes (113 and 114) and a Volkswagen 2.8 VR6 engine, designated as the M104.900. When it comes to diesel engines, old 2.3 with and without turbo and also modern CDI 2.2 engines are available.

This body design was also sold as the V-Klasse in a more luxurious and expensive version (V-Klasse was replaced with the Viano name for the second generation of Vito). The Viano also included less van-like features to the Vito such as only two seats in the front and a larger and more spacious seating capacity. At first, many Vito drivers who wanted a spacious, small van opted for the Vito microbus which was extremely similar to the Viano, apart from its more van-like and less luxurious features. The Viano was however a good, more car-like option to the Vito microbus. It was designed by Michael Mauer from 1989 to 1991, when the final design was chosen and patented in February 1993, competing with the Citroën Jumpy, Peugeot Expert, Volkswagen Transporter, Fiat Scudo, Ford Transit, Hyundai H-1, Opel Vivaro, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, and the GAZ Sobol.^[1]

Vito 108 E

A battery-electric variant of the W 638 was unveiled in July 1996, designated the Vito 108 E.^[2] The 108 E was fitted with a three-phase asynchronous electric traction motor that developed 40 kW (54 hp) and had a stall torque of 190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft), driving the wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Energy storage was provided by a molten-salt battery (ZEBRA sodium nickel-chloride chemistry) carried under the rear bench seat. The traction battery weighed 420 kg (930 lb), operated at a nominal voltage of 280 V, and had a total capacity of 35.6 kW-hr, giving the vehicle a range of up to 170 km (110 mi). The Vito 108 E was capable of speeds up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and could carry up to 600 kg (1,300 lb).^[2]

The 108 E was assembled at the "Competence Centre for Emission-free Mobility" (KEM) at the Mercedes-Benz Mannheim plant; due to the small scale of production and battery costs, it was estimated the 108 E would be three times the cost of a conventionally-powered Vito. Deutsche Post operated a small fleet of Vito 108 E delivery vans in Bremen.^[2]

Powertrain

Fuel	Model	Engine type	Displacement	Cylinder/Valves	Max. power at rpm	Max. torque at rpm at min⁻¹	construction time
Petrol	V 200, Vito 113	M 111 E 20	1998 cm³ (2.0 L)	R4/16	95 kW (129 HP)/5100	186 Nm/3600–4500	1996–2003
	V 230, Vito 114	M 111 E 23	2295cm³ (2.3 L)	R4/16	105 kW (143 HP)/5000	215 Nm/3500–4500	1996–2003
	V 280	Volkswagen VR6	2792 cm³ (2.8 L)	6/12	128 kW (174 HP)/6000	237 Nm/2800–3200	1997-2003
Diesel	Vito 108 D	OM 601 D 23	2299 cm³ (2.3 L)	R4/8	58kW (79 HP)/3800	152 Nm/2300-3000	1996-1999
	V 230 TD, Vito 110 D	OM 601 D 23 LA	2299 cm³ (2.3 L)	R4/8	72 kW (98 HP)/3800	230 Nm/1700-2400	1996-1999
	Vito 108 CDI	OM 611 DE 22 LA red.	2151 cm³ (2.2 L)	R4/16	60 kW (82 HP)/3800	200 Nm/1500-2400	1999-2003
	V 200 CDI, Vito 110 CDI	OM 611 DE 22 LA red.			75 kW (102 HP)/3800	250 Nm/1600–2400
	V 220 CDI, Vito 112 CDI	OM 611 DE 22 LA			90 kW (122 HP)/3800	300 Nm/1800–2500

Second generation (W639; 2003)

The rear of the Second generation Vito

Six or seven seats come as standard in most markets. The Viano can be turned into an eight-seat people carrier by fitting two three-seater benches in the rear. All rear seats slide in 1 in (2.5 cm) increments, recline and can be turned to face one other. They can also be folded down or removed completely to increase the load capacity. A rear folding table is standard in six- and seven-seat layouts.^[3] The rear seats cannot be folded into the floor like on some rivals.

With all the seats removed the Viano Extra-Long can accommodate up to 4,610 litres (163 cu ft) of cargo^[4] with a payload of 930 kg (2,050 lb).^[5] It can tow a 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) braked trailer and a 750 kg (1,653 lb) unbraked trailer. An adjustable self-levelling rear suspension is included on higher specification models.^[6]

Rear-wheel drive allows the Viano to have a smaller turning circle than front-wheel drive rivals; Compact and Long models have a turning circle of 11.8 m (39 ft) whereas the Extra-Long model turns in 12.5 m (41 ft).^[7]

Japan passenger models were sold as the V-Class, as the V 350. Early models included V 350 Trend (RHD), V 350 Ambiente (RHD), V 350 Ambiente long (RHD).^[8]

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz released the Valente model in Australia to sit beneath the Viano as the entry-level passenger van.

Initial release

Vito

Mercedes-Benz Vito Ambulance in Beijing, China

The Vito was launched in China in April 2010. Engine choices consisted of the 2.1 litre OM646 turbo diesel four-cylinder, the 2.5 litre M272 diesel V6 and the 3 litre diesel V6 which also uses the M272 name. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard for four cylinder diesel variants while V6 diesel variants are equipped to a 5 speed automatic gearbox. Trims levels are available known as the 2.1T Diesel Elite. 2.1T Diesel Service, 2.5L Elite, 2.5L Service, 3.0L Service and 3.0L Business. Pricing ranges from 316,000 yuan to 389,000 yuan (46,000 to US$55,830 - March 2020 exchange rate).^[9]^[10] For actual car badging, the 2.1 litre Diesel models were known as the 115 CDI, the 119 for 2.5 litre V6 models and the 122 for 3 litre V6 models. The W639 Vito was then succeeded by the W447 in 2016 although most Vitos of the W639 variant are still in use for the Chinese market as of 2020 as ambulance vans in Beijing.

The second generation Mercedes-Benz Vito design that is more streamlined than its predecessor, powered by a new range of engines, and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain.

The angle of the windshield and A-pillar is closer to horizontal; the dashboard is bigger and the bonnet (hood) smaller. The new Vito is available in three different lengths and four diesel engine versions: the 109 CDI, 111 CDI, 115 CDI (all powered by a 4-cylinder 2.2-litre engine) and the 120 CDI (featuring the 3.0-litre V6 unit). The model numerics relate to their engine power output: currently the 109 has 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp), the 111 has 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp), the 115 has 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), and the 120 has 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp). Blue-efficiency technology is optional. The vehicles have a new 6-speed manual gearbox gear ratios designed for fuel economy. The second generation Vitos are Euro 3 compliant (additionally Euro 4 compliant as of November 2006) and exempt from the Low Emission Zone in London, which requires commercial vehicles (vans) to reach at least Euro 3 standard from October 2010.

Vito London Taxi

In August 2008, a variant of the Vito was approved by the Public Carriage Office for use as a licensed London 'black cab'.^[11] The Vito taxicab includes electric sliding doors, electric steps and seating for six people. The Vito's rear-wheel steering enables it to meet the PCO's strict Conditions of Fitness requirements including a 25 ft (7.6 m) turning circle and wheelchair accessibility.^[12] The vehicle, a variation of the 'Traveliner' model, is built by Penso in Coventry. The rear wheel steer system is licensed from one80, and it is distributed through Eco City Vehicles subsidiary KPM-UK Taxis.^[13]

The new Taxi does not perform the famous U-turn in the same way as the TX and Metro models,^{[clarification needed]} instead it incorporates an electrically operated rear wheel system, activated by a button adjacent to the steering wheel. This turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus allowing the Taxi to perform the same tight turning circle as the TX and Metro models. This system is only possible when the vehicle is traveling at less than 5 mph (8.0 km/h), and if the vehicle goes over this speed while the LSM is active, it is deactivated, and the wheels straighten up.

It is longer and wider than the TX models, but travelling through tight spaces is aided by the electric folding wing mirrors, which as of 2009 are standard.

Viano Marco Polo

Viano Marco Polo camping edition

In some countries a camping derivative is available - known as the Marco Polo - equipped with a galley (including gas stove, sink, 40 L fridge, and storage), multi-function wardrobe and a sliding bench seat in the rear which can be turned into a large air-sprung bed. A pop-up roof is also standard (electric assist is optional) providing standing height inside. An additional bed can be fitted in the pop-up roof area to increase sleeping capacity to four individuals. Fresh water and waste water tanks are accessible from outside the vehicle, while the gas-cylinder bay is hidden inside an interior cupboard. An auxiliary battery is included under the front passenger seat. Up to six optional individual seats can be fitted for maximum MPV flexibility, but only four seats (including the two-seater bench mentioned above) can be used when in camping mode.

The Marco Polo was designed and created in partnership with Westfalia just like Volkswagen camper vans were until 1999, when Daimler AG bought a controlling stake in the conversion company meaning Volkswagen had to continue converting their commercial vehicles into camper vans alone.^{[citation needed]} This is a rival for the Volkswagen California as they both have similar layouts.

Viano X-Clusive (2008–2010)

This edition was only available in European markets from 2008 to 2010 with either a petrol or diesel V6 engine.^[14] It was available in either Brilliant Silver or Obsidian Black metallic paint, and featured a redesigned radiator grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust tailpipe, side skirts, and unique front and rear bumpers. The interior had pebble or anthracite coloured 'Twin' leather seats and a choice of grey or brown burr walnut wood accents.^[15]

Engines

Years	Model & Transmission	Engine	Power	Torque	Top Speed	0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)	Economy	Emissions
Diesel
2004–2007	Viano 2.0 CDI	2.2 L, 4 in-L	109 PS (80 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	99 mph (159 km/h)	17.6 s	31.7 mpg_‑imp (8.9 L/100 km)	235 g/km
2004–2007	Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift	2.2 L, 4 in-L	109 PS (80 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	98 mph (158 km/h)	17.3 s	31.7 mpg_‑imp (8.9 L/100 km)	235 g/km
2007–2010	Viano 2.0 CDI	2.2 L, 4 in-L	116 PS (85 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	99 mph (159 km/h)	17.6 s	34.9 mpg_‑imp (8.1 L/100 km)	215 g/km
2007–2010	Viano 2.0 CDI TouchShift	2.2 L, 4 in-L	116 PS (85 kW)	290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft)	98 mph (158 km/h)	17.3 s	32.8 mpg_‑imp (8.6 L/100 km)	229 g/km
2004–2010	Viano 2.2 CDI	2.2 L, 4 in-L	150 PS (110 kW)	330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft)	112 mph (180 km/h)	14.9 s	34.9 mpg_‑imp (8.1 L/100 km)	215 g/km
2004–2010	Viano 2.2 CDI TouchShift	2.2 L, 4 in-L	150 PS (110 kW)	330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft)	111 mph (179 km/h)	13.0 s	32.8 mpg_‑imp (8.6 L/100 km)	229 g/km
2006–2010	Viano 3.0 CDI TouchShift	3.0 L, 6 in-V	204 PS (150 kW)	440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft)	123 mph (198 km/h)	9.2 s	30.7 mpg_‑imp (9.2 L/100 km)	244 g/km
Petrol
	Viano 3.0 V6 TouchShift	3.2 L, 6 in-V	190 PS (140 kW)
	Viano 3.2 V6 TouchShift	3.2 L, 6 in-V	218 PS (160 kW)
2004–2007	Viano 3.7 V6 TouchShift	3.7 L, 6 in-V	231 PS (170 kW)	345 N⋅m (254 lb⋅ft)	119 mph (192 km/h)	11.0 s	23.2 mpg_‑imp (12.2 L/100 km)	294 g/km
2007-	Viano 3.5 V6 TouchShift	3.5 L, 6 in-V	258 PS (190 kW)	340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft)	127 mph (204 km/h)	9.3 s	23.7 mpg_‑imp (11.9 L/100 km)	284 g/km
n/a	Viano 4.4 Brabus TouchShift	4.3 L, 6 in-V	325 PS (239 kW)	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft)	143 mph (230 km/h)	7.2 s	n/a	n/a
2004-	Viano 6.1 Brabus TouchShift	6.0 L, 8 in-V	426 PS (313 kW)	621 N⋅m (458 lb⋅ft)	152 mph (245 km/h)	6.2 s	n/a	n/a

Safety

Two head-on airbags and (on higher trim levels) front side airbags are fitted as standard, with front window airbags available as an option. Electronic stability control (ESP), traction control system (ASR), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and brake assist (BAS) are all fitted as standard. If BAS is activated, the hazard lights flash to warn following motorists that the Viano driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre.^[16]

Each seat is fitted with a three-point seatbelt with belt tensioner and force limiter and an adjustable head restraint.

The Viano underwent the Euro NCAP car safety tests in 2008 and achieved the following ratings:^[17]

Euro NCAP	Rating
Adult occupant:
Child occupant:
Pedestrian:

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) also tested the Viano and gave it a score of 32.66 points out of 37.^[18] It is the only van in Australasia to achieve the maximum five-star rating.

ANCAP	Rating
Safety:

Environmental impact

EcoTest analysed the emissions from the EU4-compliant 2.0 CDI 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) and 2.2 CDI 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) manuals and the EU5-compliant 2.2 CDI 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) TouchShift; the results are below:

(68/100)^[19]	2006–2010	2.0 CDI Manual	116 hp	Diesel
(46/100)^[19]	2004–2010	2.2 CDI Manual	150 hp	Diesel

Next Green Car - an expert environmental organisation that analyses official vehicle emissions data rated the Viano. These Green Ratings (from 0 (cleanest) to 100 (dirtiest)) are listed below:^[20]

68	2006–2010	3.0 CDI TouchShift	204 hp
70	2004–2010	2.0 CDI TouchShift	116 hp
71	2004–2010	2.0 CDI Manual	116 hp
71	2004–2010	2.2 CDI Manual	150 hp
75	2007–2010	3.5 V6 TouchShift	258 hp
79	2004–2010	2.2 CDI TouchShift	150 hp

Reviews

Rear 3/4 view pre-facelift

The Mercedes-Benz Viano has received mixed to positive reviews from the motoring press. The van-based design is seen as a blessing by some critics and a failing by others. As of July 2010 reviews for the facelifted Viano are not available.

AA, The ^[21]
'Image is everything in the world of business and it should come as no surprise that the Viano is the big cheese in the executive travel world.'
Autocar ^[22]
'Still more van than MPV. Airport transport.'
Parker's ^[23]
'Pros: Capable of carrying eight in comfort, massive and versatile interior, superb diesels'.
'Cons: Sheer size makes it difficult to manoeuvre, can't hide commercial vehicle origins.'
RAC ^[24]
'With its rare combination of spacious seating and generous luggage capacity, the Viano is a paragon of practicality...'
What Car? ^[25]
'For - Comes with a choice of two wheelbases and three body lengths, plus a variety of seating arrangements and plenty of space inside. The sliding rear side doors ease access.'
'Against - It's an expensive option, whose van roots show through in some areas. The engines are noisy and it's not easy to use the car's full versatility...'
Yahoo! Cars ^[26]
"Most MPVs never make that much sense because when full of people there's nowhere for the luggage to go. No such problem exists with the vast Viano."^[27]

V-Class interior

Motorsports

2006: The Viano was a support vehicle in the Dakar Rally for the Mercedes-Benz Service and Kwikpower team^[28] 2009: The Viano claimed victory in the SUV category in the 19th Rallye Aicha des Gazelles with Irishwoman Jeanette James as pilot and Frenchwoman Anne-Marie Ortola as navigator.^[28]

Production

On 16 April 2010 the assembly of the Viano W639 began at the Fujian Daimler Automotive plant in Fuzhou, China. Forty per cent of the components and automotive parts of the Chinese model version are manufactured by local companies. The Chinese model was launched on the Chinese (Hong Kong, PRC and Republic), the South Korean and Southeast Asian market in April 2010.^[29]^[30]

2010 facelift

Viano

Post-facelift Viano, long version

Rear view of Viano, long version

Changes to the Viano range include standard BlueEFFICIENCY technology, new interior trim materials, new ambient lighting system with dimmable individual LED reading lamps and fibre optic units, optional rear seat entertainment system, redesigned cockpit, new suspension with front and rear axles revised and specially tuned to match each specific model and EU 5 emission standards compliance.^[31]

The face lifted range included four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines rated at 100 kW (134 hp; 136 PS) to 190 kW (255 hp; 258 PS) (CDI 2.0, CDI 2.2, CDI 3.0, 3.5).^[32]^[33]

A four-wheel drive (4MATIC) is optional on models with 4-cylinder diesel engines. In normal operation the system transfers driving power in a 35:65 split between the front and rear axles. The 4MATIC system does not have mechanical differential locks, but an electronic traction system (4ETS). If one or more wheels loses traction on a slippery surface, the system applies brief pulses of brake pressure to the spinning wheels thus increasing torque to wheels with good grip. Vehicles with four-wheel drive have a higher ride height, which increases approach, departure and breakover angles (20°/28°/19° respectively, versus 14°/22°/14° in conventional rear-wheel-drive models). The all-wheel drive adds 80 kg (176 lb) to the total weight of the vehicle.^[34]

Vito

Post-facelift Vito

The facelifted version of the Vito began from September 2010, and features restyled front and rear lights, restyled front bumpers, and more-efficient diesel engines adapted from the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range. The Vito's suspension, instrumentation, steering wheel, and overall quality of materials was also improved.^[35]

Early models included Vito 110 CDI, Vito 113 CDI, Vito 116 CDI, Vito 122 CDI, Vito 126, with 3 body lengths (compact, long, extra-long).^[36]^[37]

Vito E-CELL (2010–2012)

Presentation of the 'Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell' at the headquarters of the European Committee of the Regions, during Open Days (Brussels, 5 October 2010)

Overview

Earlier limited-production and prototype Mercedes-Benz efforts to provide battery-electric delivery vans included the 1972 LE 306; the T1-based 307 E (1980) and 308 E (1988); the MB100 E (1992); the Sprinter 308 E (1995); and the Vito 108 E (1996).^[38]^[39]

The E-Cell was unveiled in 2010 Post Expo,^[40] powered by a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the underfloor unit, electric motor rated 81 PS (60 kW; 80 hp) and 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) of torque. In 2012 a seven-seater Vito E-Cell was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show^[41] with the same powertrain. The Vito E-Cell was discontinued in 2012, with Mercedes-Benz citing low demand.^[42]

Production

The Vito E-Cell is the first electric vehicle mass-produced in Spain. It will be fabricated by Mercedes-Benz Spain, in the Vitoria-Gasteiz factory. Mercedes-Benz has chosen Vitoria as the exclusive fabrication site for the electric van; the E-Cell will be assembled alongside conventionally-powered Vito and Viano vans.

Mercedes-Benz expected 100 E-Cell vehicles to be produced by the end of 2010 and a further 2,000 by the end of 2011.^[43] The UK market was allocated 50 vehicles for the first year. All customers are to be vetted to ensure suitability and must return the van after four years to Mercedes.^[44] The first manufactured units (91 already) were presented on 7 February 2011. The goal is to produce 474 units by the end of the year. Most of them will be sold to foreign companies (mainly in Germany; Berlin and Stuttgart), though the Basque supermarket gamble Eroski has got four vans for distribution duties. Last year, the government made a plan in order to encourage this kind of cars. 590 million € will be funded, from which 7 have gone to the 'E-Cell' project. This project will also be supported by the Basque and German governments.

Drivetrain

Vito E-CELL (2013)

The Vito E-Cell utilizes a unique front-wheel drive setup to save installation space for the 36-kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed underneath the van's cargo area.^[45] The electric traction motor is a permanent synchronous magnet drive with a constant power of 60 kW (80 hp; 82 PS) and a maximum power of 70 kW (94 hp; 95 PS). The top speed is limited to 80 km/h (50 mph), and it has a maximum torque of 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) instantly available, which gives the van a similar dynamic performance to one equipped with a modern diesel engine.^[45]^[46]

Energy to move the van is stored in an electric battery. This battery is placed under the chassis (where the petrol tank and the prop-shaft are normally), while the electric traction motor, the transformer, and the charger are located in the engine's usual position, under the hood. The traction battery is split into 16 modules with 192 cells in all, with high energy density and a rated voltage of 360 volts. Gross battery capacity is 36 kWh, 32 kWh of which are available for the vehicle operation. The batteries weigh 550 kg (1,213 lb); their life is unknown. They are supplied by the company Magna, and they give the Vito E-Cell an estimated maximum range of 130 km (81 mi),^[45] but this can be reduced by the weather conditions, the ground's topography or even the cargo volume. It is considered that a range between 90 and 100 km (56 and 62 mi) could be more realistic. Either way, it is intended to be enough for a workday in urban delivery.

The E-Cell is equipped with an onboard charger that has a maximum power input rate of 6.1 kW (AC); the total charge time is six hours through a high voltage connection (380 or 400 volts), but with a domestic 230 volt supply, the total charge time is double, about 12 hours. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz offers the vehicle as a lease (4 years / 80,000 km (50,000 mi)), making the manufacturer responsible for battery maintenance and replacement when necessary.^[45]

Chassis and capacities

The Vito E-Cell is based on the long-wheelbase version of the van, with a wheelbase of 3.2 m (10 ft), so that there is enough space for the batteries.^[45] With this aim of saving space, only the front-drive version is offered, unlike in the previous model, so a long development was needed, although some suspension components of the all-wheel drive version were adapted for the E-Cell.^[45]

The vehicle has a payload capacity of 900 kg (1,984 lb), and a permissible gross vehicle weight rating of 3,050 kg (6,720 lb).

Externally, the Vito E-Cell does not show external changes with the other versions, aside from the decorative elements: the body has not been modified, and both the double side door and the helpful back 'gate' remain as before. The refueling port has been reused for the vehicle charging inlet port.^[38]

The Vito E-Cell is equipped with complete and modern features, including a special heater connected to the high voltage network and to the basic heating system, which ensures pleasant conditions even in the coldest months. In terms of safety, the new Mercedes keeps the same level as the other Vito models. The vehicle has many of the electric drivetrain components carried under the front bonnet, so, if a collision occurs, the batteries are protected by a shock element. The active safety also makes that the high-technology voltage network turns off when the airbag control unit activates. The Vito E-Cell comes standard with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and dual airbags.^[38]