Mercedes-Benz Vans is systematically electrifying all model series. The new eSprinter impresses with efficiency, range and load capacity, and is a true cosmopolitan: Coming to South Africa in 2024, it will underline the claim to “Lead in Electric Drive” in around 60 markets in the future.
The new eSprinter comes with a multitude of technical innovations and is based on a new concept consisting of three modules. These allow the greatest possible freedom in the development and design of various conversions and superstructures previously only known from the conventionally powered Sprinter.
The front module, a uniformly designed front section, includes all high-voltage components and can be combined unchanged with all vehicle variants, regardless of wheelbase and battery size. The module for the integrated high-voltage battery is located in the underbody to save space. The battery location between the axles, together with the robust battery housing, results in a low centre of gravity, which has a positive influence on handling and increases driving safety. The third pillar of the modular design is the rear module with the electrically driven rear axle. Following the principle of the common parts strategy, this is used in all variants of the new eSprinter. The compact and powerful electric motor is also integrated into the rear module.
Mercedes-Benz has invested around 350 million euros in the new eSprinter. Around 50 million euros will be invested in each of the three plants in Charleston, Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde to adapt their production. The modular concept of the new eSprinter allows maximum synergies in production, and therefore corresponding economies of scale.
“The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter consistently follows our strategy – to be the leader in electric mobility with the most desirable vans while achieving profitable growth worldwide.” Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
The new eSprinter is versatile and efficient
The market launch of the new eSprinter will begin in the USA and Canada in the second half of 2023. The vehicle is a long panel van with a high roof. It is equipped with the largest battery available, which has a usable capacity of 113 kilowatt hours. The load capacity is 14 cubic metres, the permissible gross vehicle weight is up to 4.25 tonnes.
The electric range, based on a simulation using the WLTP cycle, will be up to 400[1][2][3] kilometres. The simulated range based on the WLTP city cycle will be up to 500[1][2][3] kilometres. These ranges also make the vehicle ideal for longer journeys.
In Europe, this first variant of the panel van will be launched at the end of 2023, with the cab chassis variant and other battery variants gradually following. This makes the eSprinter attractive as a base vehicle for numerous new sectors, as well as for converters and body manufacturers.
The eSprinter will make its much-anticipated debut in South Africa in 2024.
“As we embark on a new era of sustainable mobility, we are proud to announce that the eSprinter will arrive in South Africa by 2024. This vehicle will offer a game-changing solution for businesses and individuals looking for a cost-effective, environmentally friendly mode of transportation. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all.” Nadia Trimmel, President of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.
Highlights
You can’t see it on the outside of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, but if you look at the technology installed in the vehicle and the cloud-based services in the Mercedes me[4] digital ecosystem, it becomes clear: the focus is consistently on added value for customers.
The electric powertrain (eATS)
The main components of the eATS in the new eSprinter are two new developments: the efficient motor and the innovative electric rear axle, both of which are being used for the first time in a battery-electric van from Mercedes-Benz.
The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM), which weighs only around 130 kilograms, is characterised by particularly high efficiency and optimised thermal management. The motor is available in two power levels, with 100 or 150 kilowatts of peak output, and delivers a torque of up to 400 newton metres.
The electrically driven rear axle makes cab chassis variants possible in addition to the classic panel van. For the customer, this brings advantages with regard to conversions and superstructures, vehicle lengths (A2 and A3), maximum gross vehicle weight (up to 4.25 tonnes) and trailer loads (up to 2 tonnes).
High-voltage battery and charging
Customers can choose between three different batteries for the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, depending on their individual range and payload requirements: a battery with a usable capacity of 56, 81 or 113 kilowatt hours. Lithium/iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry allows the battery variants to be kept free of cobalt and nickel, while active thermal management ensures maximum efficiency.
Like all Mercedes-Benz eVans, the new eSprinter is capable of charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The on-board charger, which converts the current in the vehicle when charging with alternating current, for example at a Wallbox, has a maximum output of 11 kilowatts. The new eSprinter can be charged with up to 115[5] kilowatts at fast-charging stations.
For customers, fast charging means: charging from 10 to 80 percent of full capacity[6] takes around 28 minutes for the 56 kWh battery and around 42 minutes for the 113 kWh battery.
Digitisation and infotainment with MBUX and Mercedes me
The new eSprinter also impresses in terms of digitisation and infotainment: it comes with the innovative Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with the latest software generation, previously only familiar to customers from Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Numerous features and services make everyday life with an electric vehicle easier for customers.
Navigation with “Electric Intelligence” ensures the greatest possible planning certainty: for example, it shows the current range in real time depending on the current traffic situation and the topography of the route. It also calculates the best possible charging strategy to get to the destination as quickly as possible, or to have the desired state of charge (SoC) at the destination. Authentication at the charging station is simple via MBUX, with payment via Mercedes me. Other highlights include increased performance, extensive personalisation options and optimisations of the “Hey Mercedes” voice control assistant.
Sustainability at Mercedes-Benz
On the road to the fully electric future of mobility, Mercedes-Benz is taking a holistic approach with Ambition 2039. One of the most important transformation goals is CO2-neutrality in the new car fleet, which is firmly anchored in the sustainable business strategy, partly including offsets. At Mercedes-Benz AG, this goal is reflected in Ambition 2039 and in the “Electric only” approach. Concretely, this ambition means: by 2039 – eleven years earlier than required by EU legislation – the entire fleet of new passenger cars and vans is to become CO2-neutral across all stages of the value chain, partly including offsets.
