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Mercedes-Benz Vans is advancing its electrification journey with the first public road tests of its VAN.EA prototypes, marking a key milestone for the future of electric vans. Starting in 2026, all newly developed vans from Mercedes-Benz will be based on the modular and scalable VAN.EA platform. The first prototypes are now being tested on public roads, which represents a crucial step in the reinvention of the van.
Key Highlights
- VAN.EA platform to serve all new vans starting in 2026.
- Road testing of the first VAN.EA prototypes has begun.
- Platform differentiation for luxury private vans and premium commercial vans.
- All vehicles will feature the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
The VAN.EA (Mercedes-Benz Van Electric Architecture) platform is designed to support a clear distinction between luxury private vans and premium commercial vans. The private segment will include models ranging from exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious limousines, tailored to meet the needs of customers seeking the utmost luxury.
From a technical perspective, the VAN.EA platform is versatile enough to accommodate both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, offering flexibility to meet a wide range of customer needs. All vehicles will be equipped with the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), ensuring advanced digital functionality.
Testing has been rigorous: after an initial long-distance journey from Stuttgart to the North Cape in June 2024, which focused on the chassis, electric powertrain, battery, and high-voltage components, the current testing phase is concentrating on the interaction of all vehicle systems. The next major milestone will be winter testing in Sweden, which will further validate the vehicle’s performance under extreme conditions.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, handles the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA provides one of the most diverse luxury lineups, including 18 model lines ranging from the GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the all-electric Mercedes-EQ family. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz vans in the U.S. More details can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
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