Mercedes Benz Builds Their Alternative Transportation Portfolio with the Vito E-Cell

Mercedes Benz has a long history of providing everything from luxury automobiles to large cargo haulers, but is has only been in the last couple of years that they have started dabbling in alternative transportation. Starting out with early concepts back in 2007, the company has since released hybrid models of their popular luxury sedans and is preparing to move forward with several more full electric products. Recently, Mercedes Benz has announced they will be selling a new full electric commercial van that they hope can bring the green into everyday commercial business.

Called the Vito E-Cell, this mode of alternative transportation will run on a 360 kilowatt lithium-ion powered engine that will allow it a top speed of roughly fifty miles per hour. According to Mercedes Benz, the Vito E-Cell's engine, despite being electric, will have the same performance ratings as most modern diesel engines and the van has been designed to allow a heavy load to be carried with ease by transferring weight along the axle to the front of the van. While it is only estimated to have a range of 100 miles, it is intended to be used primarily in urban settings where most of the duties it will be required to perform will remain within a small distance and, presumably, within access of electric chargers. Mercedes Benz expects to release 100 of the Vito E-Cell to customers by the end of this year with another 2,000 slated to be rolled off the assembly line throughout 2011.

While the Vito E-Cell is obviously aimed at the commercial market, Mercedes Benz has dabbled in other forms of alternative transportation that you may be less likely to see zipping around town on business. Though still a prototype, Mercedes does have working models of their 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell. Boasting an impressive 526 horsepower, a possible top speed of 162 miles per hour, and the ability to reach sixty miles per hour in nearly four seconds, the SLS AMG E-Cell is designed to provide speed and comfort while still running totally on electric power. The AMG division has achieved this by placing four separate electric motors near each wheel of the car to balance out the weight and to provide the necessary power. Currently, it is believed that the SLS AMG E-Cell will have a top range of around 100 miles if driven conservatively, with the total battery life ranging from 60-130 miles depending on the conditions.

With their hybrid sedan models, which are currently available, and their soon to be released electric models, Mercedes Benz appears to be gaining their foothold in the alternative transportation market. Though there has been little news recently on their other potential models, the company has displayed plans to produce a line of hybrid and fully electric cars within a variety of price ranges in the future. Although Mercedes Benz is certainly starting to show itself as being able to carry some weight when it comes to alternative transportation it could be some time before someone familiar with the brand would be able to immediately associate Mercedes Benz with electric cars. However, it may only be a matter of time.

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