Mercedes-Benz unveils its electric microcaravan concept EQT Marco Polo
As it said it would, yesterday was the day Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-electric microcaravan concept, called the Mercedes-Benz EQT Marco Polo. As the brand previewed in the first glimpse we saw of this electric microcaravan, the Mercedes-Benz EQT Marco Polo concept is a “near-production” concept vehicle.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz EQT electric van, the microcamper is a small van that incorporates the brand’s T-Class level of equipment. This includes a drop-down roof with a roof bed (1.97 metres x 0.97 metres), offering sufficient space in the rear for standing.
In addition, the fold-down roof can be opened all the way around or as a window with a zip at the rear. Continuing with the roof, it incorporates a solar panel. Both the solar module and an additional, removable battery unit allow the camping unit to be self-powered for a certain period of time.
It is equipped with a total of seven USB ports, one of them in the drop-down roof area and two in the living area. Other highlights include a sun canopy, which attaches to the side of the vehicle, and a new dimming system for the rear windows that is activated at the touch of a button, thereby eliminating conventional blinds.
In the rear, there is a further sleeping space measuring 2 metres x 1.15 metres. In the second row of seats, behind the driver’s seat, there is a washing facility and a 16-litre compressor refrigerator box. There is also an induction hob and a pull-out drawer inside the vehicle with a gas hob, offering two cooking options. There is also an electrically height-adjustable folding table.
Mercedes-Benz claims that “all the interior furniture can be easily removed by two people in less than five minutes”, making it possible to use the microcaravan as a conventional vehicle, which is also helped by the fact that it is just under 2 metres, allowing it to fit into conventional garages. Its dimensions are 4.49 metres long, 1.85 metres wide and 1.81 metres high. A long-wheelbase variant will also be available by 2023.
In the future, about which the brand has not specified further, the Marco Polo Module will be available, which is described as “a first, practical solution for all-electric short trips with the EQT”. The series-production version is scheduled for the second half of 2023. Mercedes-Benz Vans Head of Sales Klaus Rehkugler commented:
“For us, the future is electric, regardless of the size or purpose of the van. The latest proof of this strategic direction is our new EQT with all-electric drive. With the Marco Polo Module, we also have a first, simple solution for the all-electric camping trip to be offered in the near future.
In the second half of 2023, we plan to further expand our range with a complete, all-electric micro campervan. The Concept EQT Marco Polo already gives a glimpse of the next series-production vehicle. As the name suggests, we are expanding our Marco Polo family with both products, based on the EQT.”
Ordering is not possible at the moment. The starting price for the standard-length version with 90 kW and 245 Nm motor starts at 49,000 euros. It is equipped with a 45 kWh battery and an 80 kW DC charger, which allows the battery to be recharged from 10 to 80% in 38 minutes.
As part of its ‘Ambition 2039’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz Vans has set itself the goal of making the fleet of new private and commercial vans CO2-neutral across the entire value chain by 2039. To achieve this ambitious goal, Mercedes-Benz is investing a further 40 billion euros in the development of 100% electric vehicles by 2030.
From themiddle of the decade, all newly launched Mercedes-Benz vans will be exclusively electric. Based on this goal, Mercedes Benz Vans is developing a new modular, all-electric architecture for mid-size and large vans, called VAN.EA.
As a reminder, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the camper version of its larger, all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV electric van at CES 2022 in January.
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