Mercedes-Benz Vans: Electrifying plans for the motorhome industry

In recent years, Mercedes-Benz Vans has increasingly established itself in the motorhome market with the compact, 'in-house' Marco Polo camper family; also as a successful basic vehicle supplier for motorhome manufacturers worldwide - and that across the entire Vans portfolio. Now the brand with the star is taking the next step and approaching the future topic of the hour - 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 AG, is already available in two-invoice shops and includes a pop-top roof, a sleeping unit for the rear and a kitchen module for the trunk. Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans: “The motorhome market is of strategic importance for 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! "

With the EQV for locally emission-free vanlife pleasure

Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its claim to leadership in electromobility in its strategy and is consistently electrifying all model series. The portfolio that is already available on the market also includes the EQV - the battery-electric counterpart of the mid-size Vans V-Class. The EQV is available with two different battery variants: the EQV 300 with a 90 kWh battery and a WLTP range^{[1], [2]} from 326-363 kilometers (NEDC: combined power consumption: 27,1-26,3 kWh / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km)^[3] and the EQV 250 with a 60 kWh battery and a WLTP range^1,2 from 213-236 kilometers (NEDC: combined power consumption: 27,6-26,9 kWh / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km)³.

Both models are available in two lengths (long with 5.140 cm or extra long with 5.370 cm). At the fast charging station, for example, the EQV 300 charges from ten to 45 percent in around 80 minutes^[4]. In addition, the EQV is integrated into an electromobile ecosystem of intelligent navigation with active range management and cloud-based services and apps. The MBUX (Mercedes ‑ Benz User Experience) infotainment system serves as the central control unit. With these qualities, it offers a wide range of uses for the most varied of customer needs and locally emission-free - including recently also for vanlifers, as Sortimo Walter Rüegg AG and Mercedes-Benz Vans show.

Sortimo conversion concept with solar modules for additional sustainability and self-sufficiency

Sortimo's conversion concept is modular^[5]. If you pull out all the stops, you get a pop-top roof with a roof bed and a multifunctional box with a bedroom and kitchen unit. This can be found in the trunk of the vehicle. The kitchen unit uses a drawer system and includes, among other things, a rinsing facility, two gas-powered, removable hobs, a cool box and drawers for cutlery, cooking accessories and supplies. The sleeping system is installed above the kitchen unit. This can be unfolded in just a few simple steps to create a lying surface that is precisely tailored to the vehicle width of the EQV. When folded, the rear seats can be used without restriction. The specialty of the camping modules is their lightweight construction. This pays off especially when used in an electric van, because every kilo saved means more range. The two solar panels with a total of around 400 watts of power, which Sortimo can install on request, are therefore particularly light and ensure additional self-sufficiency. You charge both the starter battery and the additional battery for camping operation. Further equipment includes: darkened rear windows, interior lighting for the rear, including integrated USB sockets, as well as rotating driver and passenger seats. With the optionally available triple / reclining bench, the EQV also meets basic camping requirements ex works. Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

[1] The range was determined on the basis of VO 2017/1151 / EU.
[2] The actual range also depends on the individual driving style, road and traffic conditions, outside temperature, use of air conditioning / heating, etc. and may vary.
[3] The electricity consumption was determined on the basis of VO 692/2008 / EG.
[4] Minimum charging time of 10 to 80% under optimal conditions at a DC charging station with a supply voltage of 400 volts, current 300 A; the charging time can vary depending on various factors, such as ambient and battery temperature and when additional auxiliary consumers are used, such as heating.
[5] The content of the conversion concept was provided by the body builder. Mercedes-Benz AG and its affiliated companies assume no liability or guarantee for content that was provided exclusively by the body builder. 

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

tuningblog has many more news around the topic Camping and RV at the beginning. Do you want to see them all? Just click HERE and look around. Our focus is especially on converted Campers & mobile homes. This means that you will find fewer reports on classic standard motorhomes here, but much more we try to present specially modified specimens that show that the topic is also Tuning is represented in the camping & RV scene. Following an excerpt of the last campers and campers:

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