New 2022 Mercedes eCitan electric van unveiled

Mercedes has unveiled the latest addition to its range of electric vans: the eCitan. The electric version of the new, second generation Citan will be the smallest commercial vehicle in the brand’s range, and will serve as a direct rival to the Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo E-TECH, Toyota Proace City Electric and Vauxhall Combo-e.

Both the eCitan’s load space and payload are expected to match its diesel- and petrol-powered counterparts, which means up to 2.9 cubic metres of load capacity for the panel van version. Mercedes has also stated the eCitan will be available in a range of configurations, much like the internal-combustion versions of the new Citan, but details of specific body variants have not been disclosed.

We do know that the eCitan will use a single electric motor to power the front wheels that will produce 101bhp and 245Nm of torque, while the top speed of the small electric van will be just over 80mph. Drivers will get a choice of two driving modes - Comfort and Eco - as well as three different levels for the regenerative braking system.

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According to Mercedes, the eCitan’s 44kWh battery should be enough for a range of over 170 miles – although the official figure is yet to be confirmed. Recharging from an 11kW wallbox should take around four-and-a-half hours, however, 22kW AC charging capabilities are available as an optional extra. This add-on cuts the time to fully charge the van down to two hours, if you’re able to use a fast enough wallbox.

The eCitan’s maximum charging speed is 75kW, allowing you to top up the van’s battery from 10-80% in around 45 minutes so long as you can find a DC rapid charging point capable of those speeds.

Standard equipment will also match the petrol and diesel versions of the new Citan, which are available with Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system that features in the brand’s passenger cars like the A-Class hatchback or EQA and EQC electric SUVs and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While safety features like Crosswind Assist, Hill Start Assist and a fatigue-warning system called ‘Attention Assist’ are standard on the regular Citan, too.

We expect more information on trim level, specifications, equipment and prices to be announced closer to the eCitan’s arrival, with the small electric van going on sale in the second half of 2022.