Mercedes eSprinter Electric Van In Final Stages Of Testing, Will Debut Later This Year

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 (62 miles) is still possible for the model equipped with the 55 kWh battery, which normally offers 150 km (93 miles) 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 (7,716 lbs). As with the regular Sprinter, the electric model offers a maximum load volume of 10.5 cubic meters (370.8 cu ft).

Customers will have the choice of two battery packs. The base 41 kWh unit offers an estimated driving range of 115 km (71.5 miles) and a payload of 1,040 kg (2,293 lbs). The second option has a capacity of 55 kWh that increases range to 150 km (93 miles) but reduces maximum payload to 900 kg (1,984 lbs).

Regardless of the battery pack, the eSprinter features an electric motor that produces 85 kW (116 PS/114 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) 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 (50 mph), 100 km/h (62 mph) and 120 km/h (74.5 mph).