Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Vans has unveiled the concept EQT Marco Polo.
This fully electric “micro camper van” has two beds, a pop-top roof, a kitchenette, and a table with a bench.
A production version will be available later this year.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled yet another fully electric camper van concept, signaling the RV industry’s continual shift towards electrification.
Mercedes-Benz
Source: Mercedes-Benz
Last year, Mercedes-Benz Switzerland and Sortimo — a Swiss vehicle outfitter — unveiled its fully converted and electric EQV concept camper RV starting at around $75,600.The Mercedes-Benz EQV and Sortimo conversion concept.
Daimler
Source: Insider
And almost exactly a year later, the German automaker has doubled down on its electric camper van segment by merging its anticipated electric EQT long wheelbase van …
Mercedes-Benz
… with its Marco Polo camper van line to create the aptly named “concept EQT Marco Polo.”
Mercedes-Benz
“The future is electric regardless of the size or purpose of a van,” Klaus Rehkugler, Mercedes-Benz Van’s head of sales and marketing, said in the press release, echoing his statement from last year’s EQV unveil.
Mercedes-Benz
Source: Insider
Mercedes-Benz Van is calling its latest RV concept a “micro camper van.”
Mercedes-Benz
But just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s lacking in traditional camper van amenities.
Mercedes-Benz
Like many new builds, the concept EQT Marco Polo has a pop-top roof lined with windows and a solar panel.
Mercedes-Benz
This raised roof gives the micro camper both standing room and a LED light-lined bed.
Mercedes-Benz
But for those who don’t like bunk beds, there’s also a separate folding bed by the rear of the van.
Mercedes-Benz
And there’s no need to draw curtains or blinds when it’s time to sleep.
Mercedes-Benz
Instead, the windows can automatically darken with the press of a button, providing instant privacy.
Mercedes-Benz
Besides beds, the concept EQT Marco Polo also manages to squeeze in a small kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator, induction cooktop, and storage.
Mercedes-Benz
But if you’d rather cook outside — maybe under the van’s built-in awning — there’s also a portable gas stove tucked inside a designated drawer.
Mercedes-Benz
To enjoy meals prepared at camp or in the tiny home on wheels, the van has two benches and a height-adjustable foldout table.
Mercedes-Benz
Draining the van’s battery is likely a point of concern for travelers interested in the electrified RV space.
Mercedes-Benz
So to help conserve energy, RVers can power the van’s amenities by using the extra removable and rechargeable battery, taking the reliance off of the electric van’s primary battery.
Mercedes-Benz
The German automaker is calling this project a “concept.”
Mercedes-Benz
But an electric micro camper van won’t stay a concept for much longer.
Mercedes-Benz
This EQT camper provides a “glimpse” of the production vehicle, according to the press release.
Mercedes-Benz
Source: Mercedes-Benz
And the final vehicle will be available later this year. A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Insider that this concept “is close to [the] series production.”
Mercedes-Benz
The standard-length EQT van without the camper conversion will start at almost $52,600. No word on how much the long wheelbase or RV iteration will cost yet.
Mercedes-Benz
For travelers who want to use the EQT as both a daily driver and an RV, Mercedes-Benz will also roll out a removable camper module with a bed and optional kitchen in the “near future.”
Mercedes-Benz
Source: Mercedes-Benz
In the US, RV makers saw record shipments throughout COVID-19 as travelers opted for tiny homes on wheels instead of cruises, hotels, and flights.
Mercedes-Benz
After two years of success, these shipment levels began to taper off in 2022.
Mercedes-Benz
However, 2022 is still projected to be the third strongest year for RV shipments according to the RV Industry Association when the final data is released, proving some lingering success as RV makers continue to explore electrification.
Mercedes-Benz
Source: RV Industry Association
Read the original article on Business Insider