FRANKFURT -- Mercedes-Benz will expand its new range of EQ full-electric vehicles into the commercial van segment with a battery-powered version of its V class.
Mercedes will debut the Concept EQV, a near-series production of the electric van, at the Geneva auto show on March 5.
The concept will give a a "first concrete look at the electric future of the multi-purpose vehicle," Mercedes-Benz Vans said in a statement.
The EQV will be an electric version of the V-class passenger van. It would be sold alongside eVito light commercial van, which is sold to customers such as Hermes delivery service.
The EQV would compete with the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz full-electric minivan due in 2022. The I.D. Buzz is a retro-styled interpretation of the iconic VW minibus that became an icon in the 1960s. Mercedes did not say when the EQV will go on sale, but it's expected to arrive in 2021 or 2022.
Daimler is investing more than 10 billion euros in the development of its EQ sub brand of full-electric vehicles. By 2022 it aims to bring more than 10 battery-powered vehicles to market.
The first EQ model to be launched will be the EQC SUV/crossover, which is due to launch in the middle of this year as a rival to the Tesla Model X, the Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi e-tron.
Mercedes has shown other EV concepts such as the EQA compact car, but has not confirmed dates for their market launch.
