NZ Post will evaluate a combination of fully electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and eVito delivery vans in its fleet next year with a full launch to later follow.
Mercedes-Benz Vans New Zealand secured $240,000 through a successful application to the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund programme; administered by the EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to help accelerate the uptake of low emission transport.
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter and eVito models will be subjected to an extended in-service evaluation by NZ Post delivery drivers around New Zealand. The trial will commence early in 2022 prior to a full local market launch.
“This is a very exciting step towards a more sustainable future for Mercedes-Benz Vans and our customers in New Zealand,” Mercedes-Benz Vans managing director Dianne Tarr says.
“We are confident that the electric drive will gain more prevalence in New Zealand over the coming years. As it does, we will be ready with a strong customer centric electric product portfolio, which offers the potential to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impacts.
Mercedes-Benz Vans New Zealand is planning to commercially launch the eVito panel van, eVito Tourer and eSprinter in the second half of 2022.
It will also launch the fully-electric premium Mercedes-Benz EQV people mover.
Mercedes-Benz Vans says thanks to flexible global production it intends to offer both conventional and battery-electric vans side by side, and are preparing to switch to electric only in the future, when customer and market demand determines it.
Full local specifications and pricing of the new models will be communicated closer to launch.
