The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL, is now eligible for the Government’s new Plug-In Van Grant, reducing costs by 20%.

Each van qualifying for the Grant must emit less than 75g/km CO2, be capable of at least 60 miles between charges, more than 50mph and to ensure safety, be approved by ‘European Vehicle Type Approval’.

Run using 16 Lithium-ion battery modules that have a combined capacity of 36 kWh, the Vito E-CELL has a maximum range of 130km (80 miles) on a single six-hour charge from a 380/400 volt input. The electric motor has an output of 60 kW (82hp), with 280 Nm of torque and, taking into consideration the E-CELL’s usual area of operation and to facilitate the highest battery range possible, the top speed is limited to 80 km/h (50 mph).

Steve Bridge, van sales and marketing director for Mercedes-Benz UK, said: "With an enviable range, advanced safety systems and payload equal to a regular van, the zero-local emissions electric Vito E-CELL easily meets the criteria for the new Plug-In Van Grant, and we welcome its introduction.

“Schemes like this help businesses to do their bit - and to join us in working hard to lower vehicle emissions. It is our ultimate goal at Mercedes-Benz to achieve emission-free driving and our first-ever series produced electric van is testament to our commitment to deliver this."

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is the first battery-electric van available ex-factory from an automotive manufacturer and is now available under a full contract hire package from Mercedes-Benz, with terms covering one to four years.