First announced in early 2018 alongside the all-new
Sprinter, the eSprinter electric van is getting ready for its market launch. The zero-emissions van has
completed its final winter tests in Sweden and will arrive in dealerships in
the second half of this year. During the winter endurance tests, Mercedes-Benz
engineers focused on reliability, with the eSprinter being trialed on icy roads
and deep snow, in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius (- 22 F).
Testing included driving on a frozen lake to assess
the effects of extreme cold on handling, ergonomics, and comfort. The cold
starts and low-temperature resistance of the drive components, software, and
interfaces were tested in cold cell facilities. Another important test regarded
the charging behavior, as the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is equipped with an
integrated fast-charging function that allows it to recharge around 80 percent
of its energy in 30 minutes.
The conclusion after all the tests was that the
electric van is fit for customer operations – even in Arctic conditions. In the
unfavorable conditions described above, a driving range of around 100 km is still possible for the model equipped with the 55 kWh battery, which
normally offers 150 km of range. Initially, the eSprinter be
available as a panel van with a high roof and a permissible gross vehicle
weight (GVW) of 3,500 kg. As with the regular Sprinter, the
electric model offers a maximum load volume of 10.5 cubic meters.
Customers will have the choice of two battery packs.
The base 41 kWh unit offers an estimated driving range of 115 km and a payload of 1,040 kg. The second option has a capacity of 55
kWh that increases range to 150 km but reduces maximum payload to
900 kg.
Regardless of the battery pack, the eSprinter
features an electric motor that produces 116 PS and 300 Nm of instant torque — similar levels to the entry-level diesel engine in
the regular Sprinter. As with the smaller eVito electric van, the top speed in
the eSprinter can be set at 80 km/h, 100 km/h and 120 km/h.
