Mercedes-Benz shows off its new electric vans

Daimler is expanding its electrification plans to include Mercedes-Benz's successful line of commercial vans.

The German auto conglomerate announced that it will add electric systems to all of its commercial van offerings over the next few years, starting with the brand new eVito model in 2018. Two more e-variants, the eSprinter and Citan, will follow in 2019. Mercedes-Benz Vans has pledged to invest 150 million euros (about $176.2 million) for the project. 

Daimler's plan goes beyond simply introducing electric powertrains to its current van models. Mercedes-Benz says it will also work with clients to offer a "holistic electric drive strategy," to help support the newly electrified fleets, developing individualized plans to optimize profitability and ease operators into the EV ecosystem. The company claims the eVito is the first vehicle to be developed using such a strategy.  Read more...