Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brings a Zero Emission Option to Fleets

Electric trucks have been built since the very early days of motorized trucking. However, Mercedes-Benz is claiming its Vito E-CELL is the first factory-built one from any major automobile manufacturer, at least any modern day one.

Designed for urban duty, the first 100 Vito E-CELLs are now being built at the Mercedes-Benz Vito assembly plant in Spain, on the same production line as other Vito models. Mercedes says this demonstrates that the Vito E-CELL is a series production model and not a prototype.

Externally, the Vito E-CELL looks exactly like any long-wheelbase Vito van, with all modifications underneath. The 149 inch wheelbase allows lithium-ion batteries to be installed beneath so capacity is not compromised. Also helping is the use of front-wheel-drive and placement of the electric motor, power electronics, transformer and charging unit under the hood. Its 1980 pound cargo capacity, achieved partly through the use of compact, light, and high energy density lithium-ion batteries, makes the Vito E-CELL a full-fledged van in every respect.

The lithium-ion battery pack consists of 16 modules for a total of 192 cells. The ability to use 32 kilowatt-hours of the pack