2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV: prices, battery range, specs and on sale date
Get a load of this pure-electric people carrier
IS MERCEDES’ newest model proof that pure-electric power is right for a van-based people carrier?
What is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV?
Mercedes is adding a van-based multi-purpose vehicle (MPV, or what we used to call a “people carrier”) to its EQ electric vehicle range. As that currently only comprises one other model — the EQC premium SUV — Merc clearly decided some outside the box-thinking was required for its second pure-electric model, in contrast to the hatchbacks, saloons and crossovers being brought to market by other car makers.
The V in EQV, as you may have guessed, is derived from the V in V-Class, on which this new electric model is based. Its unique selling proposition is that it’s the king of electric cars when it comes to carrying loads, whether they be passengers or cargo.
How much can the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV carry?
Because the battery packs are installed under the floor, Mercedes says the EQV’s 1,030 litre load area is the same size as the long wheelbase diesel V-Class, and it can seat up to eight people.
How far can the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV go on a charge?
Mercedes says the EQV should be able to go up to 251 miles on a single charge. As well as being one of the better single charge ranges for an electric car, it’s not far off the 259 miles range Mercedes quotes for the EQC electric SUV — an impressive feat, considering the EQV weighs a massive 3.5 tons, which is more than a ton heavier than a long wheelbase V250 d AMG Line.
How quickly does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV recharge?
Quoted charging times for the EQV are respectable. It will be able to receive a maximum charge speed of 110kW – rapid chargers capable of this are being rolled out across Europe now — which takes 45 minutes to charge the 90kWh battery up from 10% to 80%, according to Mercedes.
While no times were quoted for a 50kW charge, which is the most common type at UK motorway services today, you can fully replenish the EQV’s battery pack in under 10 hours using an 11kW charger — the sort that you may be able to install at home.
What tech will the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV have?
All models will come with a 10in infotainment display, through which the driver can adjust the climate control, make phone controls using voice commands and make use of connected service tools like real-time weather reports.
The EQV will also come with a built-in, “EQ-optimised” navigation system, which Mercedes claims can plot a route that factors how much charge is in the batteries. In combination with more efficient driving modes and “active range monitoring” features, the tool can allegedly also allow the driver to “reach the destination safely even if a charging stop is missed”.
When will the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV go on sale?
Mercedes hasn’t confirmed when it will be bringing the EQV to the UK, though reports have suggested orders for the zero-emissions MPV will open here in early 2020.
How much will the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV cost?
UK prices for the Mercedes-Benz EQV will be revealed closer to launch.
What are the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV’s rivals?
As a premium eight-seater electric car, the EQV will pretty much be in a class of its own when it goes on sale. Its closest direct rival is the Nissan e-NV200 Combi MPV, though that’s a bit smaller and not as capable in terms of range. SUV alternatives including cars like the seven-seater Tesla Model X.
The EQV will face some competition as a pure-electric commercial vehicle: as well as the van version of the Nissan e-NV200, the EQV will also go up against hybrid cargo carriers like the London taxi-based LEVC TX van and the plug-in Ford Transit PHEV.
More EV van rivals are on the horizon, though. Ford has said it will launch a pure-electric Transit in 2021, and Volkswagen has plans for a production version of its Campervan-inspired ID Buzz concept car.
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