Mercedes VLE Electric Van Nears Launch As Pre-Series Production Begins In Spain

Mercedes-Benz has started the pre-series production of its all-electric van, codenamed VLE, at its Vitoria plant in Spain. This is a significant milestone toward delivering the product to the whole world by 2026. The Vitoria plant has been optimised with flexible production so that this new model can be produced together with combustion models like the V-Class, Vito, and the eVito. This gives Mercedes-Benz good strategy space to reorganise its production lines according to market demand in relation to electric and conventional powertrains.

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Mercedes-Benz: Plant Upgrades And Production Strategy

Vitoria, in Spain’s Basque region, was selected as the hub for VLE production. Over 90 % of the required plant modernization

is complete, including a new body shop, upgraded assembly lines, and painting facilities. The facility will manufacture the VLE with full flexibility: it will share lines with combustion v-class and van models, and switches between powertrain types as needed.

Mercedes-Benz: Features, Capacity, And Technology

According to Mercedes, the VLE is a multi-purpose van, featuring limousine-comfort driving. There are variants that come with up to eight seats for families, lifestyles, and VIP shuttles use cases. The EV sits on new modular and scalable van architecture called VAN.EA, which is intended for more efficiency in the design while allowing flexibility over variants.

Speculation are there that it may come with an 800-volt electrical system. Battery sizes are supposed to range around 90 kWh up to 116 kWh, which would probably mean driving ranges well over 500 km (WLTP); fast DC charging might be available at up to 350 kW. Other odds and ends could include vehicle-to-grid and bi-directional charging.

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What's Next Before Launch

The pre-series production phase will allow the company to undertake a validation exercise on its manufacturing process, check for product quality, and incorporate valuable lessons learned before going into full-scale production. The global reveal is expected in early to mid-2026 with deliveries to key markets following shortly after. With the launch of the VLE Mercedes strategically strengthens its electric van offensive to tap on increasing momentum in this market.

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