Overview
Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to developing and selling zero-tailpipe emission commercial vans “for every type of business, from deliveries and travel, to trades and transport.” Mercedes is committed to developing both mid-sized and large electric vans. The current portfolio includes the all-electric eVito Panel Van, the eVito Tourer and the all-electric eSprinter Panel Van. The company is also developing the pure electric eCitan panel van.
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Panel Van
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial van and was launched in Europe in 1995. The vehicle is now in its third-generation. It is also available as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
The pure electric eSprinter panel van is available in one EV battery size: 55 kWh. Though this is a decent EV battery size, by no means is it class-leading. Given the price tag, we would have expected to have at least an option to upgrade to a larger EV battery size.
The e-van has a claimed emission-free electric range up to 82.6 miles (WLTP) on a full battery charge. However, the range extends to 95.7 miles (WLTP) for the 50 mph speed limiter. Of course, the real-world electric range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: payload, driving profile, weather conditions, onboard services used etc. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 70 miles. For last mile deliveries this is adequate, however, does restrict the use for longer motorway deliveries.
It is also worth noting that the range is further impacted by the increased weight of the electric van due to the onboard EV battery. The gross vehicle weight of the EV is 3,500 kgs. Having said that, the manufacturer offers DC charging up to 80 kW DC. However, this does not come as standard. The EV has two DC charging options: 20 kW and 80 kW. We would strongly recommend 80 kW. Charging the electric van at 80 kW DC, the EV battery can achieve 80% charge in 30 minutes. Charging the e-van at 20 kW DC will take 120 minutes.
Interestingly, Mercedes has incorporated a single-phase (7.2 kW) onboard AC charger with the EV. This is disappointing given the price tag. In particular, commercial electric vehicles can take advantage of three-phase EV charging at the business premise. At 7.2 kW, the EV battery can be fully charged in 8 hours. In any case, we at e-zoomed encourage a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric vehicle. This is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery and of course, EV charging times are shorter. Mercedes offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.
In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive (FWD) Mercedes eSprinter delivers a maximum power up to 114 hp and 295 Nm torque. The top speed is 75 mph. There are also options for a 62 mph and 50 mph speed limiters. The Mercedes electric van also incorporates regenerative braking to improve the efficiency of the EV and increase electric range. The e-van has four modes for regenerative braking.
The electric van offers decent cargo volume (11m3) and payload (731 kg). The electric van does not offer towing compatibility. Not surprising, as the extra weight will further impact the pure electric range. The EV offers 3 seats.
The BEV comes with the Mercedes PRO connect as standard. The Mercedes PRO enables remote monitoring to include enhanced safety and security features. Other standard features include: a driver’s armrest, dual passenger seat, full-width partition, heated seat for driver, wooden flooring and semi-automatic TEMPMATIC air conditioning. The e-van is available in 10 colours (solid paint and metallic) and 16″ steel wheels come as standard. Other features include: active brake assist, ATTENTION assist, crosswind assist and keyless start.
The Mercedes eSprinter is eligible for the UK government plug-in van grant for the ‘large vans’ category. These vehicles are between 2,500kg and 4,250kg gross vehicle weight, have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions at all. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price for these vehicles, up to a maximum of £5,000.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! You can lease electric vans via e-zoomed at competitive prices.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Decent pure electric range | Not compatible for towing |
Up to 80 kW DC Charging | Only available in one battery size |
Good build quality | Onboard charger single-phase (7.2 kW AC) |
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Panel Van (credit: Mercedes)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Panel Van |
Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG): | Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (1 Option) |
---|
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Progressive (from £65,508) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 55 kWh |
Charging: | 80 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 7.2 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 2687 |
Width (mm): | 2345 |
Length (mm): | 5932 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3924 |
Turning Circle (m): | 14.9 |
Cargo Volume (m3): | 11 |
Payload (kg): | 731 |
eSprinter | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 55 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 82.6 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100 km): | 30.9 – 50.7 |
Charging: | 80 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 7.2 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 75 mph |
0-62 mph: | N/A |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 114 |
Torque (Nm): | 295 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 3 |
Towing Capacity (kg): | 0 |
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg): | 3,500 |
Colours: | 10 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.