The Midcounties Co-operative's funeral service has become the first UK customer for a new breed of all-electric Mercedes-Benz vans that produces zero emissions.
An 82hp (60kW) electric motor drives the front wheels, allowing the space beneath the load floor to be used to store the lithium-ion batteries without impinging on the cargo area.
The Vito E-Cell also employs a regenerative system that captures the energy otherwise lost in braking. This is used to power the heating and ventilation system and heated seats.
Vito E-Cell offers an average range between recharges of 80 miles, while its volume and 775kg payload are in line with those of conventional vans.
The Long-bodied Vito E-Cell was supplied by Blackburn dealer Ciceley Commercials, having undergone conversion to private ambulance specification by Wilcox Limousines, of Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire.