Mercedes-Benz Vans has reiterated its aim to launch fully electric options in the South African market, saying its plans for the first model are still “on track”…

After studying the feasibility of marketing van-based electric vehicles in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Vans says its plans remain entirely “on track”.

Marinus Venter, Head of Product and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, says the Stuttgart-based firm’s local strategy is geared towards it becoming a “pioneer” in the field of electric mobility solutions, for both private and commercial use.

“In 2022, we have engaged in several insightful conversations regarding the feasibility of electric vans in South Africa. We are excited to share that we are on track to introduce our first electric van in South Africa by our target date,“ Venter says, without revealing exactly when that would be.

“We believe that our electric vans will take locally emission-free transportation to the next level in South Africa,” he adds.

Back in July 2022, Venter confirmed the division had plans to bring in battery-powered vans at some point in the future, though stopped short of letting slip exactly which models were under consideration. Though there’s still no clarity on this question, there are currently a few potential options.

Mercedes-Benz Vans already offers a number of EV options in Europe.

In the commercial sector, there’s the eSprinter, which is scheduled to be replaced by a new-generation model in 2023, as well as the eVito, which is available in some markets in both panel van and Tourer guise. There’s also the eCitan, a model that features a claimed single-charge range of around 285 km.

Outside of the commercial sector, Mercedes-Benz Vans also markets theEQV. This model is positioned as a fully electric premium MPV and is effectively a battery-powered V-Class with a claimed range of 405 km. An electric version of theT-Class(dubbed the EQT and previewed by theConcept EQT) is also set to be unveiled in the near future.

Of course, the Mercedes-Benz passenger-vehicle brand has already introduced a raft of all-electric models (including EQA,EQB,EQCandEQS sedan) in South Africa, with yet more (such as the EQE sedan, EQE SUV and EQS SUV) on the way…

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