UPDATE 8/30/23: Mercedes has launched pricing for the 2024 eSprinter cargo van, which begins at $74,181. That value is for the standard-output mannequin with a 134-hp rear-mounted electrical motor. The mightier high-output model has a 201-hp e-motor, and it prices an additional $3430, with a base value of $77,611.
Proper now, electrical cargo vans are a fringe market, however Mercedes-Benz says that beginning in 2025, all new Benz vans can be electrical. Together with the electrical Rivian Amazon vans and the Ford E-Transit, the 2024 e-Sprinter is on the vanguard of stealth supply autos. Think about the GMC Vandura A-Workforce van, however utterly reverse.
Whereas a few of Benz’s EQ fashions err on the facet of freaky futurism, the e-Sprinter mission assertion is “like a Sprinter, however electrical.” So it appears typical and presents the identical trademark commodious and versatile inside that has precipitated many a tradesman to commerce of their Econoline and be a part of the high-roof Euro-van motion. Which is distinct from the Volkswagen Eurovan motion, in that it tends to contain upfitting from Knapheide relatively than Houseplant.
The Benz star hides the cost port.
Whereas different markets can have a lot smaller batteries obtainable, together with a 56.0-kWh pack and an 81.0-kWh setup, we’ll solely get the most important battery—the 113.0-kWh pack that enabled Benz to finish a 295-mile freeway journey throughout a check run in Germany. Granted, that was at a most pace of about 60 mph, however nonetheless a giant enchancment over no matter vary the prior eSprinter may handle with its 47.0-kWh battery. (Why, sure, there already was an eSprinter, however you may forgive them for not making a giant deal out of it and its 116 horsepower.)
Virtually sufficient room to stay in there, down by the river.
Our eSprinters can be obtainable with both 134 or 201 horsepower and “as much as” 295 pound-feet of torque. High pace is proscribed to 75 mph, however in case you’ve ever pushed a Sprinter high-roof mannequin on a windy freeway you may most likely be effective with that. Luckily, the eSprinter contains Benz’s Crosswinds Help system, which applies the brakes on the upwind facet of the van as needed above 50 mph to assist steer a straight course.
A van with a rear-mounted motor? Bunch of hippies over there at Mercedes, it appears.
Our eSprinter will launch within the U.S. and Canada within the second half of 2023 as a long-wheelbase cargo van with the excessive roof. The North American vans can be in-built Charleston, South Carolina, however there are two different factories in Germany. Pricing hasn’t been introduced, however the vacation spot cost has, and it is a hefty $2295—cue the outrage from eco-minded plumbers in Charleston, SC.
Benz foresees eSprinters belonging to companies that largely ply their commerce round city through the day after which park and cost at evening; therefore not numerous consideration was paid to fast-charging functionality. The usual onboard AC charger presents a good 9.6-kW cost fee, however the usual 50-kW DC fast-charging functionality is not very aggressive except the competitors is a 2011 Nissan Leaf. The DC charging functionality could be upped to a still-not-great 115 kW for homeowners who would possibly enterprise throughout a state line occasionally.
The Sprinter went from six cylinders to 4 cylinders to no cylinders.
With a max payload of 2624 kilos and as a lot as 488 cubic ft of cargo quantity, the eSprinter ought to be prepared for a similar kind of grunt work that an internal-combustion mannequin may deal with, minus the simple fill-ups and talent to cowl mega miles nonstop. Not a car for fledgling bands on tour, the eSprinter. However for a profitable cell dog-washing service, it may very well be simply the factor. Lots of canine hate baths, however they will by no means hear it coming.
Senior Editor
Ezra Dyer is a Automotive and Driver senior editor and columnist. He is now based mostly in North Carolina however nonetheless remembers how one can flip proper. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and as soon as drove 206 mph. These details are mutually unique.
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