Mercedes has announced a new, updated version of its electric Vito van, which now has the range to take on rivals such as the Vauxhall Vivaro-e. 

The new e-Vito panel van has a new 66kWh battery which gives a claimed 162-mile official range. It also has rapid charging for the first time, meaning it can charge to 80% in 35 minutes.The previous model had a 41kWh battery and a range of just 93 miles. 

AC fast charging to 100% capacity in the new model takes six-and-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger, and approximately 20 hours using a regular domestic power outlet. 

The price has also risen, from a start of £40,895 to £ 43,600 excluding VAT and before grants. 

The 3.2-tonne vehicle offers a payload allowance of up to 807 kg (compared to 1,227kg in the Vivaro) and a maximum load volume of 6.6m3 – the battery is safely housed beneath the floor, so does not impinge on the available space. 

Drivers can use the pre-conditioning function in the Mercedes me app to programme cooling or heating of their van while it is charging, conserving battery life and maximising range. 

Prices for new eVito panel van start at £43,600 for the L2 PROGRESSIVE variant, excluding VAT and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant, which is currently worth £5,000.

A touchscreen and host of safety kit is standard