In recent years, Mercedes‑Benz Vans has increasingly established itself in the motorhome market with its compact ‘in-house’ Marco Polo camper van family and also as a successful basic vehicle supplier for motorhome manufacturers worldwide.
Now the brand with the three-pointed star is taking the next step and is approaching the central topic of the coming years – the electric future of the motorhome industry.
One of the first market-ready electric campervans is based on the battery-electric EQV.
The conversion, by Swiss company Sortimo Walter Rüegg PLC, is already available in two-invoice transaction and includes a pop-up roof, a bed unit and a kitchen module.
Klaus Rehkugler, head of sales and marketing Mercedes‑Benz Vans said: “The motorhome market is of strategic importance for Mercedes‑Benz Vans.
“We want to continue to grow here and play a pioneering role in terms of innovation and sustainability.
“For us it is clear: The future is electric, also in the motorhome industry.”
The Mercedes EQV is available with two different battery variants: the EQV 300 with a 90 kWh battery and a range, of 326‑363 kilometres according to WLTP and the EQV 250 with a 60 kWh battery and a range of 213-236 kilometres according to WLTP.
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Both models are available in two lengths – long with 5140 cm or extra-long with 5370 cm.
At the rapid charging station, the EQV 300 charges from ten to 80 per cent in about 45 minutes.
In addition, the EQV is incorporated into an electric mobility eco-system consisting of intelligent navigation with active range management and cloud-based services and apps.
The Mercedes‑Benz user experience (MBUX) infotainment system serves as the central control unit.
Full-range options include a pop-up roof with roof bed and a multifunction box with bed and kitchen unit in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
The kitchen unit uses a drawer system and features include a sink, a two-ring removable gas cooker, a refrigerator box, and drawers for cutlery, cooking utensils and supplies.
The bed system is installed above the kitchen unit and can be unfolded in a few simple steps to create a bed that is precisely tailored to the vehicle width of the EQV.
When folded, the rear seats can be used without restriction.
The lightweight construction is particularly important for electric campervans because every kilogramme saved means greater range.
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The two solar panels with a total output of around 400 watts, which Sortimo can install on request, are also particularly light and ensure additional self-sufficiency.
They charge both the starter battery and the auxiliary battery for camping.
Further equipment includes among others: darkened rear windows, interior lighting for the rear compartment, including integrated USB ports, and swivelling driver and front passenger seats.
With the optionally available three-person bench seat/berth, the EQV also already meets basic camping requirements ex-factory.
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