Mercedes-Benz Vans, Wensink Automotive and Willemsen-de Koning have signed an agreement for the delivery of no less than 80 eVito Tourers. This makes it the first large fleet of fully electrically powered passenger transport buses of the brand in Europe. The eVito Tourers are used for group transport in, among others, Utrecht and Rotterdam. The fleet is financially transferred to Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

With the fleet of 80 electrically powered Vitos, Willemsen-de Koning, a specialist in group transport, makes a substantial contribution to, among other things, Utrecht's ambitious objectives of improving air quality in the city. 

This first series of emission-free eVitos will bring students to and from school in and around the Dom city. Those kilometers were previously made in vehicles with an internal combustion engine. Utrecht is one of the areas with the highest density of charging points, making the arrival of this fleet to the region a perfect match.

eVito.

The eVito is the first fully electric vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Vans range. This emission-free Vito is equipped with a 41,4 kWh strong battery pack, with which it has a range of up to 160 kilometers according to the NEDC test method. 

The electric drivetrain has an output of 84 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Whether the eVito transports people or freight, it is ideally suited for applications in an urban environment. With its clean technology, competitive operating costs and trusted Vito qualities, the eVito Tourer is the logical choice for student transport for Willemsen-de Koning.

From ProCenters.

Another reason for Willemsen-de Koning to choose the eVito is the service of the proven and acclaimed Mercedes-Benz Van ProCenters, including Wensink Automotive. The specialized mobility centers, which offer the best expertise in vans and group transport in every field, are important partners in the successful use of the fully electric passenger transport buses. 

A training will also be organized to help the drivers of Willemsen-de Koning make optimal use of the various driving programs. This with the aim of making maximum use of energy recovery technology and thus optimizing the range.

Mercedes PRO.

Mercedes-Benz offers new possibilities in fleet and vehicle management with Mercedes PRO. By innovative connectivity solutions the eVito can not only be used much more effectively and efficiently, it also makes fleet administration a lot easier. 

All connectivity services are grouped under the name Mercedes PRO connect. This web service connects the fleet manager with all vehicles and drivers. For example, he or she can request vehicle information such as location, battery status, and service interval. Mercedes PRO connect is modular and flexible. Fleet managers can choose exactly those functions that make their job and that of their drivers easier.

Willemsen the King.

With a fleet of approximately 2.000 vehicles, Willemsen-de Koning is one of the top companies in the Netherlands in the field of directing and implementing small-scale passenger transport. The company specializes in (regional) taxi, student and passenger transport for public clients, such as municipalities, provinces and (healthcare) institutions. 

Sustainable innovation has always been a spearhead for the company, the earlier large-scale use of vehicles on sustainable fuels, such as GroenGas, testifies to this. Willemsen-de Koning, in her pioneering role, is pleased with the collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and the partners.

Gerhard Breedveld, operational director of Willemsen-de Koning:

“With the use of the eVito in student transport, we are entering a next phase. A challenge that we are happy to take up and which will result in a clear picture of the TCO and the operational use of electric vehicles in group and student transport in the Netherlands. We are proud to be able to contribute to a better air climate in our inner cities. ”

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