Top prize for Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL

23rd November 2011

Entrants in electric and hybrid vehicles, and others powered by hydrogen fuel cells, were challenged to use as little energy as possible to complete a 60-mile route, with the Vito E-CELL proving the most efficient in its class.

The Mercedes-Benz contender was one of 65 low- and zero-emission vehicles taking part in the second Brighton to London Future Vehicle Challenge, which seeks to promote the latest low-energy vehicle technology.  It was a joint entry by The Hyde Group and Elektromotive, with support from Mercedes-Benz UK, and completed the route with a recorded 28% of its charge still unused.  

“This is a fantastic accomplishment for the Vito E-CELL,” said a delighted Steven Bridge, Van Sales & Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz UK.  “As a full factory built and supported vehicle, we know it has a great deal to offer operators.  This event has proved that the vehicle has a useable range and is very capable in terms of its low energy consumption.”

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL was the first battery-electric van to be introduced ex factory by any automobile manufacturer.  With its emission-free drive system, it is ideally suited to operation in inner-cities and environmentally sensitive areas.  The Vito E-CELL produces no emissions and is almost silent, yet imposes no restrictions on the operator in terms of load capacity and payload.