Summary
Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce a new internal-combustion van architecture in addition to dedicated electric architecture for future vans
The new Van.CA platform will be for fuel-burning models and will share 70% of parts with the electric Van.EA platform
Both combustion and electric vans will be produced on the same assembly lines to achieve economies of scale and provide flexibility in response to market demands
Mercedes has changed its plans from exclusively electric vans to a mix of combustion and electric models
A concept vehicle based on the Van.EA platform will be unveiled this spring, with production models set to debut next year
Article
Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will be introducing a new architecture for internal combustion vans alongside its existing electric platform. The new Van.CA platform will be used for combustion-powered vans, joining the previously discussed Van.EA platform for electric vehicles. The two architectures will share 70% of parts and will be produced on the same assembly lines, allowing for economies of scale and flexibility in response to changing market demands. Despite previous statements about electric-only vans, Mercedes is now expanding its offerings to include both electric and combustion-powered models.
Previously, Mercedes had stated that all future medium and large vans would be based on the Van.EA platform, excluding smaller vans. However, there is no indication that the Van.CA architecture is limited to a specific size of vehicle. The emphasis on parts commonality suggests that the vans using both architectures may be similar in design, with only the powertrain differing between electric and combustion models. This move represents a shift in Mercedes’ strategy for electric vans, as they had previously partnered with Rivian for electric vans in Europe but have since decided to focus on their own in-house platform.
Mercedes will be unveiling a concept vehicle based on the Van.EA platform this spring, with production models expected to follow next year. The current Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is built on the same chassis as combustion vans, indicating that Mercedes is still committed to offering a range of powertrain options for its vans. Despite the trend towards all-electric vehicles, Mercedes appears to be maintaining a significant presence of combustion vans in its lineup, with the new Van.CA architecture expanding the range of offerings available to customers.
The coexistence of electric and combustion-based vans in Mercedes-Benz’s lineup reflects the broader trend in the automotive industry towards electrification. While many automakers are focusing on electric vehicles, Mercedes’ decision to continue offering combustion options indicates a continued demand for traditional powertrain choices among customers. The shared parts and assembly lines between the two architectures will allow Mercedes to be more agile in responding to market demands, ensuring that they can provide a range of options to suit different customer needs.
Mercedes’ decision to introduce a new internal combustion van architecture alongside its existing electric platform demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering a diverse range of powertrain options for its vans. The commonality of parts between the two architectures will enable Mercedes to achieve economies of scale and increase flexibility in its production processes. While the emphasis on combustion vans may seem surprising in an era of increasing electric vehicle adoption, Mercedes’ decision reflects a recognition of the continued demand for traditional powertrain options among customers. The unveiling of a concept vehicle based on the Van.EA platform this spring signals the beginning of a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz vans, with both electric and combustion options expected to be available in the coming years.
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