Mercedes-Benz has just launched the Vito E-CELL, an all-electric version of the popular Vito van. The company says that the E-Cell is the first electric van to be produced on a manufacturer’s standard production lines – the Vito E-CELL will be made in Merc’s Vitoria factory, in northern Spain.

The electric Vito will only be available in LWB format due to the space required for the batteries

One hundred Vito E-CELLs are planned for this year, which will go to pre-arranged fleet trials in Berlin and Stuttgart. However, proper series production is planned from 2011, when Mercedes aims to produce 2,000 electric Vitos.

The van itself is based on the long-wheelbase Vito and has a gross weight of 3,050kg and a payload of around 900kg. Unlike other Vitos, it is front-wheel drive. The reason for this is simple – the space under the van floor that’s usually occupied by the propshaft and fuel tank is taken up with batteries, so front-wheel drive makes sense. It also saves weight, improving payload and reducing power consumption. Maximum torque is a healthy 280Nm – pretty similar to an equivalent diesel engine and possibly even more impressive to drive, thanks to the instant availability of maximum torque that is a characteristic of electric motors.

Maximum range is said to be 130km and charging takes up to six hours with a special three-phase charging station or up to 12 hours from a standard 230V mains socket. The van is (obviously) designed for urban or short range use and its top speed will be limited to 80km/h to preserve battery life.

There don’t seem to be any details on price yet, but you can check out the van in action in the video below: