Mercedes-Benz’s latest-generation eSprinter has up to 500km of range and a host of customisation options, and it’s coming here.
The company has confirmed the electric commercial vehicle is set to come Down Under “in or around 2024”. It’ll go on sale first in the US, Canada and Europe in the second half of 2023.
The eSprinter has a claimed range of up to 500km on the WLTP city cycle and up to 400km on the combined WLTP cycle, in line with figures revealed after road testing in Germany last year.
The top-spec eSprinter variant is equipped with a 113kWh battery and has a cargo volume of 14 cubic metres with a max payload of up to 4.25 tonnes.
Mercedes-Benz’s new eATS powertrain, which comprises a new electric motor and electric rear axle, debuts in the eSprinter.
The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM), which weighs 130kg, will be available with 100kW or 150kW outputs, and offers torque of up to 400Nm.
The eSprinter will be available with 56kWh, 81kWh and 113kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
It supports fast-charging at up to 115kW, with the 56kWh battery charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.
As with the combustion-powered model, there’s a choice of van and cab-chassis body styles and different lengths.
Mercedes-Benz says the eSprinter consists of three modules.
The front module houses all of the high-voltage components and can be used in all eSprinter variants regardless of the wheelbase or battery size.
The central module housing the battery is located in the underbody between the axles, which Mercedes-Benz says creates a low centre of gravity and increased driving safety.
The third module in the rear axle houses the electric motor and is present across all eSprinter variants.
The modules are part of what Mercedes-Benz calls its ‘common parts strategy’, intended to lessen carbon emissions from vehicle production.
Based on the customisation and utility of the current Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz says the eSprinter will act as “an attractive base vehicle for converters and body manufacturers”.
The vans will be equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, and includes smart navigation showing real-time conditions and topography, and optimised charging suggestions en route.
The German manufacturer has invested around 350 million euros (A$541 million) in the model, and 50 million euros (A$77.2 million) into each production plant in Charleston, Düsseldorf, and Ludwigsfelde, where the eSprinter will be manufactured.
“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,” said Mathias Geisen, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
When it arrives in Australia, the eSprinter will compete with models such as the LDV eDeliver 9 and the upcoming Ford e-Transit and Renault Master E-Tech.
Mercedes-Benz has said that all new models will be electric from 2025, and this electrification strategy will be supported by VAN.EA, the company’s electric van architecture.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has said that the entire fleet of new vehicles will be CO2-neutral ‘across all stages of the value chain’ by 2039.
