Around €350million has been invested in the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, of which around €50million will be invested in each of the three production plants: Charleston, Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde.
Launching in the USA and Canada in the second half of 2023. Customers in these markets will be able to purchase a long-wheelbase panel van with a high roof, equipped with the largest battery available, with a usable capacity of 113kW, load capacity of 14m3 and a gross vehicle weight up to 4.25 tonnes.
This first variant of the panel van will launch in Europe at the end of 2023, with the cab chassis variant and other battery variants gradually following, making the eSprinter a viable option for numerous new sectors, as well as for converters and body manufacturers.
The vehicle will be based on an original concept consisting of three modules. The front and back modules can be used with all available variants, regardless of wheelbase and battery sizes. The module for the integrated high-voltage battery is housed in the underbody of the front module between the axels to save space and creates a low centre of gravity.
The rear module features an electrically driven rear axle and a powerful electric motor. The electric range, based on a simulation using the WLTP cycle, will be up to 248 miles (400km).
“With the new eSprinter, we are taking the electric large van segment to a new level.
The triad of efficiency, range and load capacity with simultaneous Total Cost of Ownership optimisation makes the new eSprinter the most versatile Mercedes-Benz eVan ever.”
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans
The main components of the electric powertrain (eATS) in the new eSprinter are two new developments: the motor and the electric rear axle, both of which are being used for the first time in a battery-electric van from Mercedes-Benz.
The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM), which weighs only around 130kg. The motor is available in two power levels, with 100 or 150 kilowatts of peak output, and delivers a torque of up to 400nm.
In keeping with the three modules, Customers will also be able to choose between three different batteries for the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, depending on their individual range and payload requirements, with usable capacities of 56, 81 or 113 kW. Lithium/ion phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry allows the battery variants to be kept free of cobalt and nickel, while active thermal management to ensure maximum efficiency.
Like all electric vans from Mercedes-Benz, the new eSprinter is capable of charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The on-board charger, which converts the current in the vehicle when charging with alternating current, for example at a Wallbox, has a maximum output of 11 kilowatts.