Mercedes-Benz has officially started series production of the all-electric VLE, the first model built on the company’s new VAN.EA electric vehicle platform, at its long-established manufacturing facility in Vitoria, Spain.
The launch marks a significant milestone for Mercedes-Benz Vans as it accelerates its transition toward fully electric commercial and passenger vehicle offerings.
First VAN.EA Model Enters Production
The VLE was unveiled earlier this year as the successor to the EQV and represents the first production vehicle based on Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation VAN.EA architecture.
Customer orders for the premium electric van have been open since April, including blind orders placed before test drives became available. The VLE currently starts at €82,260, with lower-priced variants expected to join the lineup in the future.
Production is now underway at the Vitoria plant in Spain’s Basque Country, where Mercedes-Benz has undertaken a major transformation to support the new electric vehicle platform.
Major Modernisation of Vitoria Facility
To prepare for production of the VLE and future VAN.EA-based vehicles, Mercedes-Benz invested extensively in the Vitoria factory.
The upgrades included new body-shop, paint-shop and assembly facilities, as well as improvements to logistics operations and digital infrastructure.
According to the company, the modernisation enables highly flexible production of multiple powertrain types on a single assembly line while improving efficiency and digital integration throughout the manufacturing process.
Pre-series production began in September 2025, allowing Mercedes-Benz to refine manufacturing processes, optimise logistics and train employees ahead of full-scale production.
Historic Plant Enters New Era
The Vitoria facility has a long history dating back to 1954 when it was established as part of Auto-Union.
The plant became part of Daimler-Benz AG in 1981 and today employs approximately 5,000 workers.
Mercedes-Benz describes the transformation of the facility as one of its largest industrial modernisation projects in Europe and a key investment in the future of its van business.
Plant Manager Bernd Krottmayer praised employees for their role in the transition.
“The start of series production of the VLE fills me with great pride, especially when I look at our team.”
“The successful transformation of our plant and the series ramp-up are the result of the daily commitment of our employees, who handle demanding tasks with a high level of expertise, flexibility and passion.”
Leadership and Government Officials Attend Launch
The official start of production ceremony was attended by senior executives including Mercedes-Benz Vans Head Thomas Klein and Mercedes-Benz Group Chief Executive Officer Ola Källenius.
Spanish Minister for Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu and Acting President of the Basque Country Imanol Pradales also participated in the event, highlighting the strategic importance of the project for both the company and the region.
Up to 700 Kilometres of Range
The VLE is designed to combine luxury-car comfort with the practicality and versatility of a large van.
Built on the new VAN.EA platform, the vehicle features an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports DC fast charging at up to 300 kW.
According to Mercedes-Benz, a 15-minute charging session can add enough energy for up to 355 kilometres of WLTP driving range.
The company estimates a total driving range of approximately 700 kilometres, meaning the VLE could theoretically travel around 1,000 kilometres with a single 15-minute charging stop during a long-distance journey.
With the VLE now entering production, Mercedes-Benz is taking a major step toward its next generation of electric vans while positioning the Vitoria facility as a central hub for future electric vehicle manufacturing in Europe.