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Recently updated on December 5, 2022 at 12:37 am
Mercedes‑Benz Vans has firmly anchored its claim to leadership in electromobility in its strategy and is consistently electrifying all model series. This includes a range of industry-specific electromobility solutions - also for the motorhome industry. With the Concept EQT Marco Polo1, the brand with the star is giving a glimpse of the new, fully electric and fully-fledged micro camper based on EQT, which will be equipped with numerous innovations for the segment. The production version is expected to be presented in the second half of 2023. The Mercedes‑Benz EQT, which is also a new product in its own right and will be available to order soon, is a small van that combines the variability and high-quality equipment level of the T‑Class – its sister model with a conventional motor – with the advantages of an all-electric drive. Timely is with the Marco Polo module a first, practical camper solution for fully electric short trips with the EQT.
Mercedes Concept EQT Small Van
"For us, the future is electric - regardless of the size or purpose of a van. The latest proof of this strategic orientation is our new EQT with all-electric drive. With the Marco Polo module, we will soon be offering a first, simple solution for fully electric camping trips. In the second half of 2023, we plan to further expand our range with a full-fledged and also fully electric micro camper. The Concept EQT Marco Polo already gives a first glimpse of the upcoming production vehicle. As the name suggests, we are expanding our Marco Polo family with both products, based on the EQT,” says Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales at Mercedes‑Benz Vans.
Innovative accents: new fully-fledged micro camper with fully electric drive ex works
The Concept EQT Marco Polo is based on the EQT variant with a long wheelbase. The near-series concept vehicle gives a first glimpse of the new, fully electric and fully-fledged micro camper with the star, which is currently still in development. About the equipment of the Concept EQT Marco Polo includes a pop-up roof with a roof bed. Thanks to a scissor construction, the pop-up roof can be easily raised with a small angle of inclination to the vehicle roof. The Concept EQT Marco Polo1 enough space in the rear to stand upright. In addition, the pop-up roof can be opened with a zip on the back all around or in the form of a window for that feeling of freedom that is typical of camping. The roof bed has a lying surface that measures 1,97 meters by 0,97 meters. Among other things, a point-elastic plate spring system ensures a high level of sleeping comfort.
In the rear there is another folding bed measuring 2 meters by 1,15 meters. In addition, directly in the second row of seats behind the driver's seat, there is an element with a sunken flushing option and a likewise sunken, 16-litre compressor cool box. Right next to it is one of two benches. Another seat is located on the left side of the vehicle in the interior (looking towards the rear cockpit). The built-in drawer system offers enough storage space for camping accessories. There is also an induction hob and a drawer that can be pulled out of the vehicle interior with a gas cartridge cooker that can be removed flexibly, so that there are two cooking options.
On the right-hand side of the vehicle in the interior (looking towards the rear cockpit) is a fold-out table, which is also electrically height-adjustable. Additional storage compartments are also integrated. All furniture elements in the interior can be removed by two people in less than 5 minutes with just a few movements. The fully electric micro camper can also be used as an everyday vehicle if required. With a height of less than two meters, it will also be able to drive into all standard garages, multi-storey car parks and car washes without any problems. The furniture of the Concept EQT Marco Polo1 is not only functional, but also fits seamlessly into the high-quality interior of the new EQT.
For example, the seating concept of the electric small van was taken up in the design: like the seats, the kitchen, bench and sleeping elements are also made of Artico Microcut. In contrast, the cladding of the furniture fronts is made of Avola cherry wood. Ambient lighting in the joints creates the right atmosphere. There is also a dark roof lining and LED lighting in the upper bed area. In addition, there are a total of 7 USB ports in the vehicle, one USB port in the area of the roof bed and two ports in the living area.
The future long version of the EQT, which will be used as the basis for the concept vehicle, is painted in chromite gray metallic and equipped with contrasting elements in black gloss. These include the chrome strips painted black at the front and rear, as well as the special 19-inch diamond-cut rims. The sand tone of the pop-up roof can also be found in other places - such as the sun sail. Reddish accents on bellows and rims, among other things, bring more color into play.
Another eye-catcher in the Concept EQT Marco Polo1: the solar panel on the pop-up roof. This and an additional, removable battery unit enable the camping unit to be self-sufficiently supplied with energy for a certain period of time and protect the range. During use, the additional battery is stored in a drawer in the seat – but it can be easily removed for charging and charged at the socket in your own apartment or house or, for example, at the campsite. Other highlights are the sun sail, which is attached to the side of the vehicle, and an innovative darkening of the rear windows. These can be colored at the push of a button. Curtains or roller shutter systems are a thing of the past in the concept vehicle.
"Rethinking a classic": with the Marco Polo module you can enjoy camping in no time at all
With the Marco Polo module, which can be installed and removed flexibly and which will be available for the new EQT with a short wheelbase5, Mercedes‑Benz is offering a first, practical solution for basic camping requirements in a timely manner. With the standard bed and optional kitchen unit - both classic solutions for the small van segment in the camping environment - the EQT becomes a simple travel companion in no time at all.
The bed unit offers a 2 meter by 1,15 meter lying surface. A point-elastic disc spring system and a ten centimeter thick mattress ensure ergonomic lying right up to the edges. For use, the bed frame is pulled out to the front and the mattress folded out. During the journey, the frame with the folded mattress is in the trunk. The rear seats can then be used without restriction. The standard scope for high sleeping comfort also includes blackout elements for the window panes that can be attached by hand and a ventilation grille with insect protection that can be clamped between the panes and the frame. Also standard are two window pockets between the C and D pillars for smaller items.
The optional kitchen unit is based on a drawer system. It includes a sink with a 12-liter water tank, a 15-liter compressor cooler and a flexibly removable gas cartridge cooker. Additional drawers offer space for cutlery, crockery and food supplies. In addition, two camping chairs and a table are available in combination with the optional kitchen unit. The table has two different feet. It can be set up outdoors or attached to the center console inside the EQT - a first in the segment.
If the bed or kitchen unit is not required, it can be installed and removed in just a few simple steps and in a short time thanks to its low weight. The attachment is fixed to the lashing eyes in the trunk. The entire Marco Polo module has a stylish, clean design and is anthracite in colour. It fits perfectly into the high-quality interior of the all-electric small van. In addition, the Mercedes star and lettering show the clear affiliation to the brand. The Marco Polo module can be ordered directly from the Mercedes-Benz branches and dealers in the near future.
The new Mercedes‑Benz EQT: the basis for innovative camping solutions and much more
The new EQT not only forms the basis for the Concept EQT Marco Polo1 and the Marco Polo module, but also offers families, people who are active in their free time and camping fans an attractive entry into the all-electric world of the brand with the star. The electric small van can be ordered in the near future. Prices start at around 49.000 euros for the EQT with a 90 kW electric motor and standard length. Thanks to the black panel grille with a central star and dynamically designed cooling fins, the new EQT is instantly recognizable as a member of the Mercedes‑EQ family. The electric small van combines compact exterior dimensions with plenty of space. Thanks to the protected, space-saving installation of the battery in the underbody with a favorable center of gravity, it offers almost the same variability and functionality in the interior as the conventionally powered T-Class.
The EQT is 4.498 millimeters long, 1.859 millimeters wide and 1.819 millimeters high. A variant with a long wheelbase will follow in 2023. Just like the T-Class, the new EQT offers many advantages that make everyday life easy and comfortable for families and leisure enthusiasts. This includes the low loading sill of just 561 millimeters, which makes loading heavy objects easier. The sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle offer an opening that is 614 millimeters wide and 1.059 millimeters high. They enable convenient access to the rear and loading, including the tailgate, can be carried out flexibly from three sides. Up to three child seats can be accommodated in the back seat.
Modern electric motor
An electric motor with a peak output of 90 kW (122 hp) and a maximum torque of 245 Newton meters will be available at market launch. The lithium-ion battery is crash-protected in the underbody in front of the rear axle and has a usable capacity of 45 kWh. In the company, at home or at public charging stations, the EQT can be conveniently charged with 22 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. Fast charging stations with direct current (DC) are even quicker, depending on the SoC (state of charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery.
The EQT is equipped with an 80 kW DC charger, the charging time will then be 38 minutes from 10-80 percent SoC. The EQT is loaded at the front under the Mercedes star, which is particularly practical and convenient when loading in tight parking spaces in the city. For AC and DC charging, the EQT has a CCS charging socket and a CCS charging cable as standard.
Sustainable business strategy across the entire life cycle
Mercedes-Benz Vans has firmly anchored its claim to leadership in electromobility in its strategy and is consistently electrifying all model series. Customers, fleet operators and body manufacturers can already choose from four battery-electric models: the eVito panel van, the eSprinter, the eVito Tourer and the EQV. With the EQT, the electric portfolio will soon be expanded to include the small van segment. When it comes to the eCamper, Mercedes-Benz Vans has so far mainly worked with partners in the classic dual-invoice business. This currently primarily affects the mid‑size vans EQV and eVito. In the near future, Mercedes-Benz will also step up the trend towards eCamper ex works.
In addition, as part of the sustainable business strategy "Ambition 2039", Mercedes-Benz Vans is pursuing the goal of making the fleet of new private and commercial vans carbon-neutral across the entire value chain by 2039 - from development to the supplier network, in-house production, the Electrification of products to renewable energies for the use phase of electric vehicles and recycling. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, Mercedes‑Benz will invest a further 2030 billion euros in the development of battery electric vehicles by 40. From the middle of the decade, all newly launched Mercedes-Benz vans will be exclusively electric. To this end, Mercedes‑Benz Vans is developing a fundamentally new, modular and fully electric van architecture. It bears the name VAN.EA. The company plans corresponding investments in the development of this platform for all-electric medium-sized and large vans as well as in the production sites.
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. Below is an excerpt of the last campers and mobile homes.
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Electrified camping in the new small van from Mercedes-Benz celebrates its premiere
Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz
