The Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) revolution is well underway for consumer cars in many parts of the world. However, commercial vehicles have been noticeably slower to adopt this technology, with only 60,000 electric vans on UK roads compared to over 1 million electric cars. While electric vans have found favor for last-mile delivery in urban areas, their limited range has restricted their usefulness in other settings. Mercedes-Benz aims to change this with their latest eSprinter van, which boasts a massive battery and impressive capabilities. I had the opportunity to test drive the eSprinter at its launch in California.
At first glance, there's nothing outwardly different about the eSprinter that would indicate it's an electric vehicle. It looks like a regular Mercedes-Benz van, apart from the big lettering on the side. But if you examine the tires closely, you'll notice they are designed for optimal EV efficiency. Overall, this is a standard panel van available in two body sizes (panel van and chassis) and two lengths (L2 and L3 load lengths). The version I drove was an L3, measuring over 7.1 meters long.
Unlike some other electric vehicles, the eSprinter doesn't utilize the upcoming VAN.EA architecture. Instead, Mercedes-Benz has taken a modular approach to the drivetrain, with the electronics located at the front, the motor at the rear, and the battery in between. However, the real standout feature of the eSprinter is its battery. Launching with a sizable 113kWh battery in both America and Europe (with potential future versions of 81kWh and 56kWh for Europe), the eSprinter offers a significant increase in range. In fact, it promises up to 271 miles in the WLTP cycle, a remarkable achievement compared to vans with smaller battery capacities.
Mercedes-Benz has also made an interesting choice regarding the battery chemistry. While the more common choice for electric vehicles is Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), the eSprinter employs Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by CATL. The LFP variant does not contain cobalt or nickel, making it less expensive and free from the labor abuse concerns associated with cobalt mining. Although LFP has a lower energy density and longer charging times compared to NMC, it offers cost advantages and improved tolerance for frequent charging, with significantly higher charge-discharge cycles.
Dr. Andreas Zygan, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Development, emphasized that charging time is not as critical for commercial vehicles since most customers do not engage in long-distance driving. The average UK van only travels around 62 miles per day, according to research by Mercedes-Benz. The focus, therefore, is on durability and reliability. LFP technology aligns well with these goals, offering cost savings, robustness, and resistance to damage.
With CATL expecting the price of LFP batteries to halve by mid-2024, Mercedes-Benz's decision to adopt this technology appears especially astute. The weight of the larger battery is easier to accommodate in a large van, making it more suitable for long-range logistics applications. With the impressive range the eSprinter offers, most deliveries won't require daily charging. Replenishment is less frequent, and the eSprinter's LFP battery ensures longevity and reliability.
On top of its impressive battery, the eSprinter boasts an 18% improvement in efficiency compared to its predecessor. Despite being originally designed for internal combustion, the eSprinter features an 8-9% more efficient rear motor, weight reduction, specialized tires, a heat pump, and more efficient electronics. These advancements contribute to a van that offers superior range and better energy management.
Inside the eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz has equipped it with the same advanced MBUX infotainment system found in their cars. This offers a 10.25-inch display, DAB digital radio, and a user-friendly touch interface. Options for satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are available. The eSprinter also comes with safety technologies such as blind-spot assistance, active lane-keeping, basic cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera.
Cargo capacity is on par with internal combustion equivalents, providing 14 cubic meters of volume and a payload of up to 1,002kg for the L3 PRO (995kg for the SELECT). The van can tow up to 2 tons and features double rear doors and a sliding side door for easy access, along with ample fixing points inside to secure cargo.
The eSprinter offers various driving modes to suit the driver's preferences and requirements. There are Comfort, Eco, and Max Range options for motor power, with Max Range mode squeezing out the most miles from the battery. The eSprinter also allows for adjustable regeneration settings through paddles on the steering wheel, enabling the driver to control the energy recuperation level. The D Auto mode, in particular, proved efficient and stress-free during test drives, providing optimal energy recuperation while maintaining a smooth driving experience.
During my own test drive in the Newport Beach area of California, I achieved an average of 2 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Other drivers who used more frugal settings managed an impressive 3.1 miles per kWh. With careful driving habits, it's possible to exceed 200 miles on a single charge, and perhaps even surpass 300 miles. This exceptional range surpasses that of other electric vans, such as the Ford E-Transit. The eSprinter's heat pump also helps mitigate the impact of cold weather on battery performance.
When it comes to recharging, Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the eSprinter with faster charging capabilities, including DC charging up to 115kW. This allows 10 to 80% charging in just 42 minutes, making it convenient for a quick recharge during a lunch break. With the 11kW AC charging (9.6kW in the US), a full charge from empty takes around 11 hours, making overnight charging at the depot viable. However, using a 7kW home charger would extend the charging time to approximately 17 hours.
Despite its impressive features and capabilities, the new eSprinter remains relatively affordable compared to many high-capacity battery-electric vehicles. In the USA, it starts at $71,866, while in the UK, prices range from £73,260 plus VAT for the 414 L3 PRO with the 100kW motor, to £76,920 plus VAT for the SELECT. It also qualifies for the OZEV grant, which further enhances its affordability. Additionally, the eSprinter comes with a service interval of every year or 40,000 miles and a battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles for 70%, which can be extended to 187,500 miles.
The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is poised to make a significant impact in the world of zero-emission deliveries. With a range that surpasses other electric vans and a large, resilient LFP battery, the eSprinter offers enhanced flexibility and versatility to commercial users. Mercedes-Benz's clever choice of battery chemistry, coupled with improvements in efficiency, safety technology, and infotainment, elevates the eSprinter above its counterparts. With the eSprinter, the future of electric commercial vehicles is looking brighter than ever.
