Future Electric Van Mercedes-Benz Passes Nearly 1,100 Km Of Testing, Claimed To Have This Advantage

JAKARTA - Mercedes-Benz again tested its first electric-powered van called the VLE by going through various challenging road conditions.

Sending down two test vehicles, the premium automotive manufacturer successfully tested 1,100 km starting from Stuttgart, Germany to Rome, Italy and claimed to have only made two short charging stops, each of which lasted 15 minutes.

The car has passed various challenging hurdles, including winding and steep roads across the Alps which has a number of narrow and crowded areas.

"Our future MPV has once again shown its suitability for daily use on long-distance routes. With just two short charging stops from Stuttgart to the Alps to Rome - MercedesengelBenz VLE shows the impressive efficiency of the latest Van Electric Architecture," said Head of Development Mercedes-Benz Vans, Dr. Andreas Zygan quoted from the manufacturer's official website, Friday, July 4.

The nearly 1,100 km journey was carried out in 13 hours which included two stops of 15 minutes each.

Testing began in Stuttgart, Germany with an outside temperature of 11 degrees Celsius cool to Rome with a temperature of 33 degrees. On all routes, Mercedes-Benz set the air condition temperature up to 22 degrees Celsius to test its comfort.

According to the manufacturer, the test is to focus on the suitability of daily use related to the efficiency of electric drivetrains as well as recovery, thermal management, and the influence of rear axis steering on vehicle control.

The rear axis steering system has proven to make it easier for cars to turn on various streets, particularly in narrow areas in Italian cities.

The VLE uses a completely new architecture called the Van Electric Architecture which is developed independently and will begin to be introduced at the beginning of next year.

This architecture allows for a clear distinction between a personally positioned Grand Limousine and a commercial transporter.

Mercedes-Benz will market two future electric vans named VLE and VLS, each of which has special uses according to customer needs.

This VLE with an 8-SEAter configuration is designed as a flexible vehicle for private and family relaxing vehicles so that it can have other functions as VIP mobility.

Meanwhile, the VLS will be designed more luxurious and exclusive according to the image of the brand itself.

Although the manufacturer still does not want to reveal further technical specifications, the van will be offered in various regions such as the United States (US), Canada, to China.