The 60 kW electric motor with 280 N·m (207 lb-ft), power electronics, transformer and AC/DC charger are accommodated under the hood. The generated power is transmitted to the front wheels. The lithium-ion traction batteries are accommodated under the passenger compartment floor. The nominal voltage stands at 360 V, with a capacity of 36 kWh. The speed is electronically limited to 89 km/h (55 mph) in the interests of a range of 130 km (New European Driving Cycle, NEDC).

Acceleration from 0 to 50/80 km/h takes 6.5/11 seconds.

The Vito E-CELL’s batteries are charged from the 380/400 V grid in a maximum of five hours. Charging from the 230 V grid is subsequently possible as necessary. The battery additionally stores recuperated power while the vehicle is in motion.

ESP and driver’s airbag come as standard and a safety belt is integrated in each seat. The batteries are protected by a crash element. In the event of airbag activation, the high-voltage technology will be shut down automatically.

After the first year of service with customers, 230 Vito E-CELL vans are now on the road as part of the promotion schemes currently in operation in Germany. Together, they have so far successfully covered around 650,000 km (404,000 miles).

At the Geneva Motor Show, Daimler is showcasing a transparent model of the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL to provide a vivid demonstration of how electric mobility works, from chargers through voltage transformers, high-voltage control units and the battery to the electric motor. The model employs high-performance LEDs to visualise the flow of current from the battery via the control electronics to the drive shafts.