Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced plans to develop an all-new Electric Versatility Platform for the next-generation eSprinter. The company is investing € 350 (US$ 423 / £ 315) million into the architecture and has fast-tracked its development.
While the company didn’t go into many
specifics, they confirmed the platform will use “three modules that allow
freedom in the development and design of different body types.” The front
module will contain high-voltage components such as charging equipment and a
DC/DC converter, while the center module will house an underbody high-voltage
battery pack. The third and final module has a rear e-axle with a “compact and
powerful electric motor.”
The modular design allows for greater
flexibility, and Mercedes said the next-generation eSprinter will be offered
with two wheelbases and three different battery packs. All versions will be
rear-wheel drive, but the platform will have “higher maximum payloads allowing
for almost every conceivable body variant possible.” Speaking of which,
Mercedes suggested there will be truck and van variants as well as ambulances
and grocery transporters.
While that isn’t much to go on, the
company said they’re “convinced of the ecological and economic advantages of
battery-electric vans and will continue to push forward plans to bring
electrically powered vans to market in all segments.” Mercedes also noted the
next-generation eSprinter is being developed with the U.S. and Canadian markets
in mind.
That’s a significant change as Mercedes
hasn’t brought the current eSprinter to America due to high homologation costs
and a less than impressive WLTP combined range of 154 km. The
company will undoubtedly address these issues with the new model, but there’s
no word on how far it will be able to travel.
