Mercedes-Benz Vans: Electrifying plans for motorhome industry

Mercedes-Benz Vans has established itself in the motorhome market with its compact 'in-house' Marco Polo camper van family; and as a successful basic vehicle supplier for motorhome manufacturers worldwide. Now the brand is taking the next step to the electric and thus locally emission-free future of the motorhome industry. The exchange with end customers and industry experts as well as cooperation with other manufacturers initially play a central role. One of the first market-ready eCamper is based on the battery-electric EQV. The conversion comes from the Swiss company Sortimo Walter Rüegg PLC, is already available and includes a pop-up roof, a bed unit for the rear compartment and a kitchen module for the luggage compartment.

“The motorhome market is of strategic importance for Mercedes-Benz Vans,” says Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans. “We want to continue to grow here and play a pioneering role in terms of innovation and sustainability. For us it is clear: The future is electric, also in the motorhome industry!"

Emission-free van-life

Mercedes-Benz Vans has a firm policy of aspiring to leadership in the field of electromobility and is electrifying all model series. The portfolio, already available on the market, also includes the EQV - the battery-electric driven counterpart of the V-Class mid-size van. The EQV is available with two different battery variants: the EQV 300 with a 90-kWh battery and a range of 326-363 kilometers according to WLTP (electricity consumption according to NEDC combined: 27.1-26.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) and the EQV 250 with a 60-kWh battery and a range of 213-236 kilometers according to WLTP (electricity consumption according to NEDC combined: 27.6-26.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km). Both models are available in two lengths (long with 5140 cm or extra-long with 5370 cm). At the rapid charging station, the EQV 300 charges from ten to 80% in about 45 minutes. In addition, the EQV is incorporated into an electric mobility eco-system consisting of intelligent navigation with active range management and cloud-based services and apps. The infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) serves as the central control unit. With these qualities, the EQV offers a wide range of applications for a wide variety of customer needs and does so locally emission-free including, most recently, for van-lifers, as Sortimo Walter Rüegg PLC is showing together with Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Conversion with solar modules for sustainability and self-sufficiency

Sortimo's conversion concept is modular. Full-range options include a pop-up roof with roof bed and a multifunction box with bed and kitchen unit in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. The kitchen unit uses a drawer system and features a sink, a two-ring removable gas cooker, a refrigerator box, and drawers for cutlery, cooking utensils, and supplies. The bed system is above the kitchen unit. This can unfold in a few simple steps to create a bed that tailored to the vehicle width of the EQV. When folded, the rear seats can be used without restriction. The special feature of the camping modules is their lightweight construction. This pays off especially when used in an electric van, because every kilogram saved means greater range. The two solar panels with a total output of around 400 watts, which Sortimo can install on request, are also particularly light and ensure additional self-sufficiency. They charge both the starter battery and the auxiliary battery for camping. Further equipment includes among others: darkened rear windows, interior lighting for the rear compartment, including integrated USB ports, and swiveling driver and front passenger seats.

With the optionally available three-person bench seat/berth, the EQV also already meets basic camping requirements ex-factory.