Next-gen Mercedes EQV likely to use the VAN.EA platform [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ section added.

The Mercedes EQV, the first fully-electric premium MPV and the first EQ model from Mercedes-Benz Vans, is a conversion of the Mercedes V-Class W447 that debuted in 2014. The next-gen Mercedes EQV, which is still a few years away, will ride on a new dedicated EV platform called VAN.EA.

Design

Designed as an EV from the outset, the next-gen Mercedes EQV would feature a more aerodynamic exterior for reduced energy consumption and improved driving range. The below picture is probably a teaser of the next-gen Mercedes EQV and indicates the same. It shows more raked A-pillars, a shorter hood, shorter overhangs, and a steeply designed roofline. The height will likely be lower, too.

On the VAN.EA architecture

At the Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive event on 22 July 2021, Mercedes-Benz Group (formerly Daimler) announced that it’s changing its EV strategy from electric-first to electric-only, which would speed up its transition to EVs. The company plans to go 100% electric by 2030, and every vehicle in its line-up will be available with a pure electric choice by 2025.

Mercedes-Benz Group announced three new bespoke EV platforms at the event, one of which will underpin electric light commercial vehicles – VAN.EA. The Mercedes EQV and the various platform derivatives, aimed largely at the premium commercial segment, should switch to VAN.EA when it enters the second generation, and eventually, all offerings from the Vans division would go this route, such as the Citan, Sprinter, and Vito.

VAN.EA ushers in a new era for purpose made electric light commercial vehicles, which will contribute to emission free transportation and cities in the future.

Britta Seeger, BoM member – Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Group (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive)

Expected specs of the next-gen Mercedes EQV

Along with the new platform, which will likely enable more efficient and space-saving packaging of the components, the EQV should adopt high-end specs when it moves to its second generation. It may feature next-gen batteries that have increased energy density and operate at 800 volts. Mercedes will probably increase the range (WLTP) from 357 km (222 miles) to around 500 km (311 miles) and more than double the charging rate from 110 kW. New-generation electric motor(s) should also be among the technical changes.

Local sourcing of core components could help Mercedes reduce costs and ensure a more stable supply. The company has discussed “insourcing” motors and sourcing raw materials for battery components only from IRMA-certified mines. For lithium, it wants to collaborate with Albemarle Corporation. The German automaker is discussing the localization of battery-grade lithium production in Europe and the U.S. with the American specialty chemicals company.

Production

In an announcement on December 12, 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vans announced that the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria, Spain, will manufacture VAN.EA-based mid-size pure-electric vans from the middle of the decade. The announcement all but confirms that the production of the next-gen Mercedes EQV will take place at the Spanish factory. The second-largest van plant of the three-pointed star is the lead production center for mid-size vans and currently makes the EQV.

Release Date

The next-gen Mercedes EQV could arrive in 2025 as the first model on the EA.Van platform. Van launches in the coming months from Mercedes-Benz include the Mercedes EQT, which debuted in December 2022, as well as a restyled version of the current-gen EQV.

On the 2023 Mercedes EQV (facelift)

The current Mercedes EQV plans to spend a few productive years in the market. Spy shots have revealed that Mercedes-Benz is working on a facelift to keep it fresh until the fully redesigned, next-gen model is ready to roll. On the outside, judging by the prototype’s camouflage, expect the 2023 Mercedes EQV to feature a new front bumper, tweaked headlamp and tail lamp graphics, and revised grilles.

New rectangular AC vents can be seen in a spy shot of the interior, indicating that Mercedes-Benz is reworking the dashboard. That’s unusual for mid-cycle updates, especially at the Stuttgart-based automaker. There is nothing wrong with the current round turbine-like AC vents, but the new rectangular AC vents might look attractive and cool the cabin faster. With the upcoming update, the electric van could finally feature a fully-digital instrument cluster. Sales of the EQV refresh could commence by June 2023.

TopElectricSUV says

The next-gen Mercedes EQV will likely be a significantly more efficient, more spacious, and practical electric mid-size van, thanks to the new VAN.EA platform underpinning it. Lower energy consumption and improved range may allow towing, which is (officially) not possible in the current model, and pave way for new versions, possibly including a factory-built camper.

Next-gen Mercedes EQV FAQs

Featured image: Mercedes-Benz (Roadshow Presentation FY 2022 Mercedes-Benz Group AG)