Europcar demo programme for Mercedes-Benz eVito electric van launched

Europcar Vans and Trucks, part of Europcar Mobility Group UK, is running a demo programme for fleets for the Mercedes-Benz eVito van. 

The Europcar demo programme offers the use of an eVito van for a few days or weeks, enabling businesses to evaluate how and where an all-electric van can be best used within their fleet operations, without having to commit to a major capital expense.

Europcar says it gives fleets the chance to test an electric van in real-world conditions to discover where it will fit best and what possible adaptations may need to be made to their current ways of working.

“There is a clear need for businesses to start learning about how electric vehicles will work in their operations, ahead of the Government’s net zero deadline”, explained Keith Shorter, UK van and trucks director.

“However, for many there is a nervousness about making a long-term commitment without fully understanding the implications for their drivers and their business.  

“Our new demo programme is therefore designed to give businesses and their drivers the ability to experience everything about zero-emission driving, but without having to make a big financial commitment.”

The all-electric eVito van has a range of approximately 160 miles and can carry a maximum payload of 807kg thanks to a loading space of up to 6m3.

Shorter said: “There is a big difference between those companies who are doing lots of short runs, such as courier and local delivery companies and those who are transporting goods and people on longer motorway journeys, for example.

“How electric vans can be utilised in either scenario needs to be considered along with availability of charging points and the time it takes to recharge a vehicle. And we believe our demo programme will give businesses that ‘real-life’ experience to plan effectively for the future.”