Mercedes originally announced the eSprinter five years ago for European markets, but the electric van never made it to North America. That will change in the second half of 2023 when the EV workhorse launches in the US to battle the Ford E-Transit. Unveiled today, the production-ready model may look familiar on the outside, but it actually sits on a new “electric versatility platform” developed after a 350 million euro investment.
Also on sale in Canada from the second half of 2023, the second-generation eSprinter is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor. Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer a base version with 134 horsepower (100 kW) and a more powerful configuration with 201 horsepower (150 kW). Tipping the scales at around 286 pounds (130 kilograms), the electric motor will generate a peak torque of 295 pound-feet (400 Newton-meters).
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In North America, Mercedes intends to sell the eSprinter with the biggest battery available. It will feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry and provide a usable capacity of 113 kWh. The battery benefits from active thermal management while removing cobalt and nickel. Range details for the US-spec model have yet to be revealed, but the EU version will travel 248.5 miles (400 kilometers) on a single charge under the Global Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure .
In the WLTP city cycle, the battery will have enough juice for up to 311 miles (500 kilometers). The three-pointed star indicates that US-specific lineup figures will be announced closer to launch in the second half of the year.
As part of the preparation for today’s world premiere, Mercedes carried out a range test in Germany with a near-production prototype in October 2022. The revamped eSprinter managed to cover 295 miles (475 kilometers ) on a single charge. At the end of the race, he still had enough energy for another 12 miles (20 kilometres).
Once the battery is depleted, it can be charged to a maximum output of 115 kilowatts, in which case it takes about 42 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent. Alternatively, the on-board charger has a maximum output of 9.6 kilowatts.
Although the interior also looks quite familiar, it welcomes the MBUX infotainment system for the first time on a utility vehicle. It should prove to be a practical tool when navigation is activated since it will be able to estimate the range in real time depending on traffic and topography. Additionally, it can also allow the driver to reach their destination with a desired battery level.
The 2024 eSprinter will offer a maximum cargo capacity of 488 cubic feet (13,818 liters) and a gross weight rating of 4.25 tons (9,369 pounds).
In addition to the plant in Düsseldorf (Germany), Mercedes will also assemble the new eSprinter in Charleston (South Carolina) and Ludwigsfelde (Germany). The electric van will be sold in around 60 markets, with Europe expected to follow North America towards the end of 2023.
