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Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the prototype
of a battery-powered van based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito at a recent EU
Competitiveness Council meeting held in Spain. During the event,
European ministers of economic affairs met to discuss issues relating to
the economic viability of future technologies. Dr. Dieter Zetsche,
Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, gave a speech on the
sustainability of electric vehicles in his capacity as current president
of the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association). |
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Assembly of the electric-powered Vito is
being integrated directly into standard production and marks the start
of a new era in local, zero emission mobility in the van sector. The
Vito will incorporate the technology ex factory, thereby underlining
Daimler AG’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The vehicle is the
outcome of research and development activities at Daimler AG which are
focused on three aspects: optimising combustion engines, boosting
efficiency via custom hybrid components and emission-free vehicle
operation deploying batteries and fuel cells. |
During 2010, more than 100
Mercedes-Benz Vito vans will be delivered to 20 customers, primarily
fleet operators and public institutions wishing to transport items in
environmentally sensitive zones with zero emissions, including no CO2
emissions, and low noise. Deployment scenarios therefore typically
involve short distances and making many stops in urban areas. Production
of a further 2000 vehicles is planned in the next phase.
The drive configuration is designed
solely to run on battery power and thus dispenses with the powertrain
intended for combustion engines.
A battery featuring powerful
lithium-ion technology supplies energy to the Vito. With an operating
voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh, the
Vito’s range averages 130 km but can be considerably higher given an
appropriate driving style. The electric motor delivers a peak output of
90 kW. Performance is oriented around customer requirements: an
electronically limited top speed of 80 km/h is designed to meet our
customers’ transportation needs in and around urban areas.
When it comes to safety features, every
aspect is covered. All Vito vehicles come with ESP as standard which
incorporates ABS and ASR. The number and type of airbags also
corresponds with the current Vito specification. Vehicles are subjected
to the usual crash tests with regard to passive safety. There is no loss
in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered
Vito and load capacity remains competitive.
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