Freezing tests for the Mercedes-Benz Vito

The prototype of the Mercedes-Benz Vito with battery-electric drive has been recently undergone handling tests in freezing conditions. The prototype faced temperatures of up to minus 30 degrees but managed to pass a series of the harshest winter tests near the polar circle.

Although it has a top speed of 80 km/h, this electric-battery drive vehicle still has to pass all of the tests which a combustion-engined Vito. Besides testing the safety systems, drive and suspension, this Vito prototype also had its electric drive system equipment tested in the cold environment found in Arjeplog, in Sweden.

Before the start of series production, the whisper-quiet, zero-emission van still has to undergo some more tests in the Alps, in the heat of Spain and also on other continuous operation routes.

The Vito with battery-electric drive will be the world's first van available with an electric-drive system ex factory. It was deveoped to run on battery power, with the energy being supplied by a lithium-ion battery with an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kW. The Vito electric powertrain will offer a range of almost 130 km, with a maximum power output of 90 kW. There is also no loss in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered Vito.