“I don’t mind bees and think we are all the better for having them around. I like the taste of honey.” Henry Rollins

What’s all the buzz about Mellifera Van, a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 170? It’s the newest addition to mountainside apiaries in North Carolina, home of Killer Bees Honey.

Built for two ardent environmentalists and conservationists, Mellifera Van is their vehicle to bring awareness to pollinators’ importance and preserve the environment. This van will be driven to pollinator research facilities and presentations given throughout the United States.

When it’s time for the queen to rest, Mellifera Van features a removable and stackable 3-panel bed system with a custom mattress. Below the raised bed panels are two opposing dinette benches. These are great for sharing a meal but offer an additional place to sleep with a hidden panel. The passenger side dinette inconspicuously holds a slide-out porta-potty. Mellifera’s 42″ galley kitchen includes an induction burner, Vitrifigo DW180 RFX Stainless Steel Double Drawer Refrigerator, upgraded deep under-mount sink with pulldown sprayer, overhead microwave, and plenty of drawers for storage. A 19-gallon freshwater tank supplies water to the galley sink and rear exterior shower.

With 630Ah of lithium-ion power working with a 2000W magnum inverter and Wakespeed Secondary Alternator, staying close to off-grid beehives is an easy and enjoyable experience. No matter the weather conditions outside, the Webasto Air Top EVO 55 Diesel Heating System runs on auxiliary power and pulls minimal fuel from the vehicle tank to warm cabin air. In addition, the Espar Hydronic Diesel Water Heating System maintains warm water temperatures. Keeping gadgets charged while away are (4) 110V outlets and (4) USB/USB-C ports.

Mellifera Van features several bells and whistles on its exterior, including Rigid Industries 50″ Radiance+ RDS LED Off-Road Light Bar with Amber Backlight. A Backwoods Rear Bumper sits below the rear cargo doors. Additionally, you’ll find Owl Vans – Ladder + Tire Carrier on the doors. Pairing nicely with an Agile RIP Kit and Front Tire Fender are Method’s 701 wheels in matte black with Nokian Tyres Outpost AT.