Mercedes is developing the Van.EA, a groundbreaking electric platform for mid-sized vans, targeting the luxury market in China, the USA, and Canada. The design prioritizes passenger comfort, featuring an SUV-like seating position and an open lounge layout. Engineers are enhancing urban maneuverability with advanced dampers and a compact rear axle steering system. Rigorous performance testing in challenging conditions, such as icy roads and steep inclines, showcases the van’s stability and control, with potential for future all-wheel-drive versions.
When the name Mercedes is brought up, the spotlight often falls on the CLA. However, behind the scenes, engineers are diligently crafting another pivotal project for the brand’s future. The Van.EA, short for Van Electric Architecture, is a revolutionary platform designed to convert mid-sized vans into cutting-edge electric vehicles.
Mercedes Expands Luxury Van Offerings Globally
Mercedes aims to penetrate the luxury van market in China, the USA, and Canada, ensuring that these upscale transporters do not resemble typical commercial vehicles. Development chief Dr. Andreas Zygan notes that customers in China expect more than just functionality. High-end tuners enhance the V-Class for a premium market, and Mercedes is keen to tap into this lucrative business.
This ambition necessitates a clear differentiation between commercial and personal vehicles. A fundamental aspect of this is the seating position. Buyers expect a passenger-car feel upon entering a van, rather than the typical commercial driver’s seat. Developers have successfully addressed this, achieving a comfortable seating position akin to that of an SUV. Yet, that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The innovative skateboard platform with a flat floor creates an open lounge ambiance in the rear, provided that the suspension can mitigate the bumps of the road.
Enhancing Urban Maneuverability
To achieve this, adaptive dampers have been installed for improved ride comfort. The objective is clear: the van should navigate bustling urban environments in China and the USA with the agility of a compact car. A rear axle steering system is proposed to tackle this challenge, though implementing it with an electric platform is uncharted territory. The added weight of an electric van and its body complicates matters, especially when accommodating both rear steering and spacious seating arrangements. This requires careful engineering to ensure aesthetics and functionality align.
Fortunately, the solution has been successful. “We’ve essentially engineered a compact Formula 1 axle,” says Zygan, pleased with the results. Testing the maneuverability in tight spaces has proven effective, and the van’s exterior is merely a disguise for advanced technology.
Performance Testing in Snowy Conditions
What about performance dynamics? On an icy surface, we tested the limits. Upon acceleration and steering, we experienced a slight slip of the front wheels. A gentle easing of the throttle allowed the rear to regain control. This predictability reassured us, and even under challenging conditions, the Mercedes van maintained stability. Zygan hints that the steering angle may reach a maximum of eight degrees, but further specifics remain under wraps.
The development team continues to refine the vehicle’s capabilities through simulations. Engineers from both van and passenger car divisions collaborate closely, sharing software and insights to resolve issues efficiently. However, certain aspects, like fine-tuning control systems such as ESP, require meticulous real-world adjustments.
Currently, Mercedes engineers are conducting tests in northern Sweden, tackling the notorious μ-split test where one side of the vehicle encounters traction on asphalt while the other slips on ice. Traveling at 80 km/h and braking hard, the vehicle’s stability was impressive, showing its resilience against varying friction levels.
Impressive Performance Without All-Wheel Drive
But the challenges don’t stop there. We positioned the Mercedes van on a steep 15-degree incline, relying solely on its front-wheel drive. After a moment of tire struggle, the van confidently ascended, demonstrating the robustness of its control systems. “Our technology is so refined that front-wheel drive handles this easily,” Zygan affirms, while also hinting at the possibility of an all-wheel-drive version in the future. As for a potential Maybach variant, the details remain undisclosed, yet speculation is high.
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