Mercedes-Benz unveiled the people-carrying version of the eCitan van called EQT in Germany, alongside a near-production Marco Polo Concept EQT motorhome.
The Mercedes-Benz EQT is essentially an all-electric version of the T-class people mover who shares his bones with the Renault Kangoo.
Renault even offers an electric version of the Kangoo called Kangoo E-Tech Electric which is available in both mover and panel van configurations. The last of these options is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2023.
It’s unclear if the Mercedes-Benz EQT will come here, as Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia has always said it is evaluating the suitability of the CitaneCitan and the T-Class models. No official decision to launch these models has yet been made.
The previous generation Mercedes-Benz Citan was never launched in Australia as it would not have received the five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Mercedes-Benz EQT is powered by a single electric motor produce 90kW of power and 245Nm of torque, sending drive to the front wheels only.
This is coupled to a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery. Mercedes-Benz claims the EQT has a range of 280km according to WLTP tests, with a combined consumption of 18.99 kWh/100 km.
The EQT comes with a Type 2/CCS combo charging socket and can be charged to a maximum of 80kW when plugged into a DC fast charger. Mercedes-Benz says charging at that speed from 10-80% will take 38 minutes.
The electric mover can also charge up to 22kW when plugged into an AC wall box.
The Mercedes-Benz EQT will initially be available in short-wheelbase form with five seats, with a long-wheelbase variant with seven seats expected to follow in 2023.
The short-wheelbase EQT measures at 4498mm long, 1859mm wide, and 1819mm high.
As noted above, Mercedes-Benz has also unveiled the near-production Marco Polo EQT Concept motorhome, based on the long-wheelbase EQT.
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Marco Polo EQT-Concept -
This motorhome concept gives a glimpse of the production EQT Marco Polo which is still in development according to Mercedes-Benz.
It has interesting motorhome-related features, including a sunroof with integrated solar panel and roof bed, removable battery, 16L fridge, drawer system, induction hob, gas canister removable, folding table, black -rear windows and other storage compartments.
Mercedes-Benz currently offers a number of battery electric van models, including the eVitoeVito Tourer, EQVand eSprinter.
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eVito -
eVito Tourer -
EQV -
eSprinter
Both versions of the eVito and EQV are already on sale in Australia, with the Updated eSprinter expected to arrive in 2024 with a claimed range of 500 km.
From 2025, all new Mercedes-Benz architecture will be electric as the brand plans to be fully EV by the end of the decade “where market conditions permit”.
That means there’s a new dedicated EV architecture for the company’s vans. Called VAN.EA, it will be launched “from the mid-2020s”.
AFTER: 2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class unveiled, Australian plans unclear
AFTER: 2022 Mercedes-Benz Citan unveiled, no Australian confirmation