Mercedes-Benz is taking a significant leap forward in its electrification strategy with the all-new eSprinter, setting a new benchmark in the large electric van segment. For businesses in the US looking to embrace sustainable transportation, the 2024 Mercedes-benz Esprinter offers a compelling solution, combining zero-emission driving with the practicality and reliability expected from the Mercedes-Benz brand. This pioneering electric van is packed with innovations designed to enhance efficiency, extend range, and streamline fleet operations, marking a new era for electric commercial vehicles.
At its launch in North America, the eSprinter is offered as a 170” wheelbase cargo van with a high roof and a substantial 113 kWh battery (usable capacity). This robust battery configuration allows for an impressive simulated range of up to 273 miles (440 kilometers) based on the WLTP cycle, making it suitable for both demanding urban routes and longer journeys. In city driving conditions, the simulated range extends even further to approximately 329 miles (530 kilometers) under the WLTP city cycle, ensuring drivers can confidently tackle daily tasks without range anxiety.
The eSprinter utilizes lithium/iron phosphate battery technology, notable for its durability and the elimination of cobalt and nickel, making it an environmentally conscious choice for commercial applications. To further optimize efficiency, the van incorporates active thermal management and comes standard with a heat pump system.
Practicality remains a key focus, with the eSprinter offering a generous cargo capacity of 488 cubic feet and a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 9,370 lbs. Maintaining the versatility of its combustion engine counterparts, the rear-wheel-drive eSprinter accommodates a wide array of upfitting solutions. Whether it’s transforming into a mobile workshop with shelving systems and workbenches or a spacious delivery vehicle with heavy-duty wood floors, the eSprinter is ready to meet diverse business needs.
The groundbreaking modular design of the 2024 eSprinter is central to its adaptability. Constructed from three key modules, the platform can be readily configured for various vehicle types. The front module houses all high-voltage components, ensuring compatibility across all wheelbase and battery size options. The battery itself is located in the central module, securely encased within a robust underbody housing to maximize space and safety. This positioning also contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing vehicle handling and overall driving safety. Finally, the rear module integrates the compact yet powerful electric motor, driving the rear axle.
Powering the eSprinter is a newly developed electric powertrain featuring an efficient motor and an advanced electric rear axle, both debuting in a Mercedes-Benz battery-electric van. The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) stands out for its efficiency and optimized thermal management, weighing in at just 286 lbs. Available in two power outputs, 100 or 150 kilowatts peak, the motor delivers up to 295 lb.-ft of torque for at least 30 seconds, ensuring responsive performance when needed.
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the eSprinter with cutting-edge in-car technology and cloud-based services via the Mercedes me connect digital ecosystem to support drivers. The latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, familiar from Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, is available as an option, bringing features like the intuitive “Hey Mercedes” voice control and extensive personalization settings to the van segment.
Safety is paramount, and the eSprinter is equipped with a suite of intelligent assistance systems. Standard Active Brake Assist provides crucial support in emergency braking situations, while Blind Spot Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST enhance driver awareness and safety. An optional digital rear-view mirror offers an unobstructed rear view, a significant advantage, particularly when reversing. This system uses a High Dynamic Range camera at the rear of the roof, transmitting the image to the conventional rear-view mirror, which doubles as a digital display, automatically adjusting brightness based on ambient light conditions.
To maximize efficiency and range, the eSprinter offers multiple customizable drive modes. “Comfort” mode unleashes the full performance and torque, while “Economic” mode limits engine power for increased efficiency. “Maximum Range” mode further reduces engine output and optimizes energy consumption by limiting features like climate control to extend mileage. Regenerative braking, which recovers kinetic energy to recharge the battery, also plays a vital role in maximizing range.
Drivers can select from five recuperation levels (D-, D, D+, D++, and ‘D Auto’) using steering wheel paddles to adjust energy recovery. The intelligent ‘D Auto’ function automatically adapts the recuperation rate based on the traffic situation, optimizing energy recovery seamlessly. ECO Assist provides visual prompts in the dashboard, advising drivers when to lift off the accelerator, allowing the vehicle to automatically select the appropriate recuperation level.
The optional “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” within Mercedes me connect services further enhances the electric driving experience. This system plans optimized routes, factoring in charging stops in real-time based on traffic and route topography. It also calculates the most efficient charging strategy to reach the destination as quickly as possible, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Charging convenience is built into the eSprinter, supporting both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. The onboard charger allows for AC charging up to 9.6 kilowatts, ideal for overnight charging at a depot or wallbox. For rapid charging on the go, the eSprinter can handle DC fast charging up to 115 kilowatts. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent capacity takes approximately 40 minutes for the 113 kWh battery, minimizing downtime during the workday.
Payment at public charging stations is simplified through the Mercedes me connect service Mercedes me Charge, integrating major networks like ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo into a single platform. With access to over 85,000 public charging points nationwide, Mercedes me Charge offers transparency and control, providing real-time information on charging station availability, estimated costs, remote charging session initiation, unified payment processing, and detailed charging history tracking.
Mercedes-Benz USA’s partnership with ChargePoint extends to fleet customers, offering Fleet Depot Charging solutions tailored to specific operational needs. This includes specialized charging hardware, vehicle telematics, and software, providing a comprehensive and integrated fleet management solution, even for fleets with vehicles from multiple manufacturers.
To reduce total cost of ownership and ensure high uptime, the eSprinter includes a comprehensive service package. Maintenance costs for the first four services within four years or up to 100,000 miles are covered, including regular inspections of high-voltage components and other critical vehicle systems. Furthermore, the battery certificate guarantees that the maximum remaining capacity of the high-voltage battery will be no less than 70 percent of its initial capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles. An optional extended battery certificate is available, increasing the mileage coverage to 185,000 miles within the same 8-year period.
The 2024 eSprinter is now available for order at U.S. dealerships, with a starting MSRP of $71,866. Recognizing the importance of leasing for commercial electric vehicles, with up to 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz eVans leased globally, attractive leasing options are available in the U.S. For example, commercial customers can lease the 150 kW eSprinter cargo van starting at $998 per month for 36 months (terms and conditions apply).
Production of the new eSprinter is underway at Mercedes-Benz Vans plants in North Charleston, SC/USA, Düsseldorf, and Ludwigsfelde, Germany. Mercedes-Benz Vans has invested approximately 350 million euros in the eSprinter project from 2021 to 2024, with around 150 million euros dedicated to production adjustments at these plants. Aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability, the eSprinter is produced with net carbon neutral operations.
2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter – At a Glance
| Cargo Van | |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP Standard Output | $71,886 |
| Starting MSRP High Output | $75,316 |
| Motor | 100kW / 150 kW Up to 400 Nm / 295 ft-lb Rear-axle |
| Battery | LFP (Lithium iron phosphate) |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 113 kWh |
| Charging time, wallbox (240V/32A, 0-100%) | ~12.5 hours |
| Charging time, DC Fast Charging (115kW, 10%-80%) | ~42 min. |
| Length | 280.4 in. |
| Width w/ mirrors (w/o mirrors) | 92.3 in. (79.5 in.) |
| Height | 107.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 170 in. |
| Max. Payload (lbs) | 2,624 lbs. |
| Max, GVWR (lbs) | 9,370 lbs. |
| Max, GCWR | 11,023 lbs. |
| Cargo Volume (cu ft) | 488 |
| Drive Config. | RWD |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Top speed (mph) | 75 mph |
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is more than just an electric van; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. With its impressive range, modularity, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability, the eSprinter is poised to lead the electric revolution in the commercial vehicle sector.
