Mercedes-Benz VAN.EA Electric Vans Teased

Mercedes-Benz AG confirmed the VAN.EA electric van architecture in July 2021. Back then, Merc said that VAN.EA would usher in a new era for light commercial vehicles and passenger vans in 2025. As per the press release attached below, all of the German automaker’s newly developed vans will feature this modular architecture beginning in 2026.
 

In addition to said release, Mercedes also published a few pictures of two heavily camouflaged prototypes with sliding doors on both sides. Although it’s hard to figure out from said pictures, these vans appear to be a passenger-oriented prototype and a panel van.
 
Pictured on Michelin rubber and AMG-like alloy wheels featuring a five-spoke design, the vans most likely preview next-generation Vito light commercial vehicles and V-Class passenger vans. It should be highlighted that V-Class replaced the W639 Viano, with the W447 V-Class making its debut back in 2014.
 
Both prototypes feature heavily camouflaged interiors, while their charging flaps are located on the rear passenger-side quarter panel. According to Mercedes-Benz Vans, the VAN.EA platform supports both dual-motor and front-wheel-drive setups. A new version of MB.OS will debut with said vans in 2026, with MB.OS making its debut in September 2023 by means of the Concept CLA Class.
 
Mercedes-Benz Operating System is a different animal from the MBUX infotainment system, beginning with a proprietary large language model and generative AI technology for the MBUX Virtual Assistant. Other highlights include 3D navigation, ambient lighting that synchronizes to the music plated through MB.OS, along with video streaming, video games, and Level 3 driving assistance.
 
Emphasis on assistance rather than automation, for Level 3 still requires the driver to pay attention and take the wheel if any ADAS function suddenly malfunctions or disengages. Full automation is Level 5, and we’re a long way from achieving Level 5 both in terms of technology and legislative-wise.
 
Merc started testing VAN.EA prototypes earlier in 2024 by means of a specially constructed vehicle for chassis, high-voltage components, and powertrain testing. Said test mule was driven from the automaker’s hometown of Stuttgart to the North Cape in Norway. The current phase on testing focuses on component interaction, while the next phase will be cold-weather testing in Sweden.
 
Unfortunately, the folks at Mercedes-Benz Vans didn’t offer concrete info in regard to battery chemistries, capacities, driving range estimates, and maximum outputs. They also couldn’t be bothered to mention Vito and V-Class even once in the cited release. Looking at the glass half full, we do know that VAN.EA comprises of three so-called building blocks.
 
The front block always comprises the front axle and electric powertrain, for base VAN.EA models come with front-wheel drive. The rear module is for the rear axle and – optionally – an electric drive unit for dual-motor AWD. Finally, the center block dictates the length of the vehicle and the battery pack’s capacity.
 
Furthermore, we also know that VAN.EA will spawn two distinct versions: VAN.EA-P for privately positioned vans in the mid-size segment and VAN.EA-C for commercial vans in the mid-size and large segments. Level 4 driving assistance is planned to be realized by decade’s end. The targeted driving range of the VAN.EA-P version is over 500 kilometers, meaning 310-plus miles on a full charge.