Mercedes-Benz Vans has opened orders for its inaugural eCitan small van, priced from £33,995 (excl. VAT and Plug-in Van Grant).

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The sister model to Renault’s electric Kangoo Van E-Tech and the Nissan Townstar EV, it’s part of the second-generation Citan line-up following the launch of the diesel versions earlier this year – and the first time an electric version has been offered.

As with the rest of the trio, it features a single motor and battery combo, using a 122hp motor, generating 245Nm of torque. The 45kWh battery is located under the floor, leaving loading space unimpeded, and giving an official combined WLTP range of up to 176 miles.

The eCitan comes with 22kW AC charging as standard and can be charged at up to 75kW at a DC charger, giving a 10-80% charge in some 38 minutes.

It’s available in panel and crew van variants with a choice of two lengths and two trim lines. First to arrive is the L1 panel van variant, expected to start deliveries in October, with orders for L2 versions following later this year and crew van models early next year.

Load space stands at 2.9m3 capacity for the L1 and up to 3.6m3 for L2 panel vans while maximum payloads stand at 544kg and 722kg respectively. The eCitan can also be fitted with an optional tow bar, giving it up to 1,450kg braked towing capacity while also adding in Trailer Stabilisation Assist.

Rivals include not only the Renault and Nissan sister models but also the Stellantis camp of small vans that include the Citroën ë-Berlingo, Fiat Professional E- Doblò, Peugeot e-Partner, Toyota Proace City and Vauxhall Combo Electric.

It’s a toughly contested market but Mercedes says the new eCitan is the most highly equipped vehicle in the segment.

As with the diesel model, two trim levels are available: Progressive and Premium. The entry-level Progressive line comes with features including Active Brake Assist with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, anti-theft alarm with deadlocking and a Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) digital display screen with navigation and EV-specific features.

The Premium line is priced from £35,970 (excl. VAT and PiVG) and adds in extra styling features such as 16-inch light-alloy wheels, colour-coded bumpers, LED high performance headlamps, LED fog lights and metallic paint.

Both versions come with equipment and technology to help optimise real-world range, including a heat pump, heated windscreen and heated seats. The pre-conditioning function, available via the three-year complimentary subscription to the Mercedes me app, allows customers to cool or heat their van while it is charging, conserving battery life and maximising range.

Drivers can choose from two driving modes – Comfort and Eco – as well as three recuperation levels, including a setting said to closely resemble one-pedal driving and allowing maximum energy to be recaptured.

Safety features as standard include six airbags, Active Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist.

As with all electric vans from Mercedes-Benz, the eCitan comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and battery capacity cover for eight years or 100,000 miles. It also gets MobiloVan support with free, round-the-clock emergency roadside assistance, including out-of-charge cover, as well as four complimentary services: two A (minor) and two B (major).

To further help businesses transition to electric vehicles, retail and SME customers can benefit from a £1,000 offer towards charging installation at their home or place of work.