After the eVito and eSprinter, Mercedes is downsizing its electric van recipe by previewing the first-ever EQT. Shown as a concept for the time being, the zero-emissions people mover will serve as an EV version of the T-Class small van coming with gasoline and diesel engine. Much like the conventionally powered model, its eco-friendly counterpart will be related to a Renault product, specifically the Kangoo E-Tech Electric.
It can host seven people in a leather-lined luxurious interior where the third row can be completely removed to enable a greater cargo capacity when you want to carry bulky items. If you’re wondering about its size, the Concept EQT stretches at 4945 mm long, 1863 mm wide, and 1826 mm tall. It boasts sliding doors like you’d expect from a proper van, but there’s a good chance those flush door handles won’t make it to production.
The wide LED light strip at the back is a typical EQ model design trait, and so are those many illuminated Mercedes three-pointed star badges on the glossy black panel replacing the conventional front grille. The panoramic sunroof has an interesting shape and we’re wondering whether it will look the same on the production model coming later this year.
It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to assume the massive 21-inch wheels are reserved for the concept, with the road-going EQT to feature smaller alloys for a better ride. The changes from the Concept EQT to the actual product customers will be able to buy are going to be kept down to a minimum, and it goes without saying the Mercedes version will be fancier than the equivalent Renault.
Surprisingly, details about what’s underneath the skin have not been revealed. However, the EQT can’t be that much different than the Kangoo Electric E-Tech, so the final version should boast a single electric motor rated at 101 hp and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft). The Renault’s 45-kWh battery will likely be carried over and should offer a similar WLTP range of 265 km (165 miles).
Full details will be disclosed before the end of 2021 as Mercedes has announced plans to unveil the production-ready EQT in the following months when the gasoline- and diesel-fueled T-Class will also break cover. These will be joined by the commercial versions of the small van, the Citan and all-electric eCitan.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
