Mercedes-Benz Vans is electrifying all of its model series options. And, big news for fleets: the Sprinter Van is included.

The U.S. market will witness the launch of the cargo version featuring a 170'' long wheelbase and a high-roof configuration, equipped with a robust 113 kWh battery.

With pricing starting from $71,886 and a WLTP range of up to 249 miles, the eSprinter is now available for ordering through authorized U.S. dealerships.

First announced in December 2020, Mercedes chose its plant in North Charleston, S.C. and two plants in Germany for the build-out of the next-gen eSprinter. 

What is Mercedes-Benz 'Module' Concept?

The new eSprinter comes with many technical innovations based on a new concept consisting of three modules:

• Front module.

• Module for the integrated high-voltage battery.

• Rear module.

The front module, a uniformly designed front section, includes all high-voltage components and can be combined unchanged with all vehicle variants, regardless of wheelbase and battery size. 

The module for the integrated high-voltage battery is located in the underbody to save space. The battery location between the axles, together with the robust battery housing, results in a low center of gravity, which positively influences handling and increases driving safety. 

The rear module with the electrically driven rear axle. The compact and powerful electric motor is also integrated into the rear module. Following the common parts strategy principle, this is used in all variants of the new eSprinter.

Mercedes-Benz has invested around 350 million euros in the new eSprinter (or around USD 375.4 million). About 50 million euros (approximately USD 53.6 million) will be invested in each of the three plants in Charleston, Düsseldorf, and Ludwigsfelde to adapt their production. 

"The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter consistently follows our strategy - to be the leader in electric mobility with the most desirable vans while achieving profitable growth worldwide," said Mathias Geisen, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Digging into the eSprinter Specs

The market launch of the new eSprinter will begin in the U.S. and Canada in the second half of 2023. 

The vehicle is a long-panel van with a high roof. Mercedes-Benz stated the van is equipped with the largest battery available, with a usable capacity of 113-kilowatt hours. 

The electric van's load capacity is around 62.5 square feet and the permissible gross vehicle weight is up to 8,500 pounds. 

The electric range, based on a simulation using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, will be up to 248 miles. The simulated range based on the WLTP city cycle will be up to 310 miles. 

In Europe, this first panel van variant will launch at the end of 2023, with the cab chassis variant and other battery variants gradually following. 

Adding Tech to the Van Segment

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter features numerous in-vehicle technology options as well as cloud-based services in the Mercedes me digital ecosystem. Some additional technology enhancements and updates include: 

The Electric Powertrain (eATS)

The eATS in the new eSprinter features an efficient motor and electric rear axle, both of which are used for the first time in a battery-electric van from Mercedes-Benz.

The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) weighs only around 286 pounds, delivers a torque of up to 295.025 ft.-lb. of torque, and is available in two power levels: 

• 100 kilowatts of peak output. 

• 150 kilowatts of peak output.

The electrically driven rear axle makes cab chassis variants possible in addition to the classic panel van providing fleets additional length options, maximum gross vehicle weight up to 8,500 lbs., and trailer loads up to 4,000 lbs. 

High-Voltage Battery & Charging Features

Customers can choose from three different batteries for the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, depending on their range and payload requirements: 56, 81, or 113 kilowatt hours. 

Mercedes-Benz Vans noted that lithium/iron phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry allows the battery variants to be free of cobalt and nickel, while active thermal management ensures maximum efficiency.

Like all Mercedes-Benz eVans, the new eSprinter can charge with alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The onboard charger converts the current in the vehicle when charging with alternating current. 

The new eSprinter can be charged with up to 115[5] kilowatts at fast-charging stations.

For fleets, fast charging means charging from 10 to 80% of full capacity in around 28 minutes for the 56 kWh battery and about 42 minutes for the 113 kWh battery.

Navigating Intelligently with Mercedes-Benz

The manufacturer noted that navigation with "Electric Intelligence" provides such information as the current range, in real time, depending on the current traffic situation and the topography of the route. 

The system also calculates the best possible charging strategy to get to the destination as quickly as possible or to have the desired state of charge (SoC) at the destination. 

Authentication at the charging station is simple via MBUX, with payment via Mercedes me. Other highlights include increased performance, extensive personalization options, and optimizations of the "Hey Mercedes" voice control assistant.

What is the Mercedes-Benz Vans Electrification Strategy?

According to a release, Mercedes-Benz Vans has "firmly anchored its leadership aspiration for electric mobility in its strategy." 

With the Vito E-CELL, Mercedes-Benz Vans was a pioneer in the market for locally emission-free vans in 2010. Today, Mercedes-Benz has electrified all segments from the small van to the large van.

From the middle of the decade, Mercedes-Benz Vans will implement the next stage of its electrification strategy with VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture): From 2025, all new models will be all-electric.

It's Not all Electric

While the news of electric options is exciting, Mercedes-Benz Vans still offers traditional powertrain options. Recently, Mercedes-Benz Vans dropped its model-year 2023 Sprinter van. New for the model-year are innovations that improve safety, comfort, and performance.

Don't forget, the Sprinter lineup also includes gasoline and diesel models in the following options: 

• Cargo

• Crew

• Passenger

• Chassis.

“Mercedes-Benz Vans is committed to providing our customers with vans that carry a high residual value. On the Mercedes-Benz Vans website, potential owners can calculate an estimated total cost of ownership for their van by simply inserting a few factors like estimated miles driven each year, desired model, estimated time of ownership, etc.,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Work Truck in an interview.

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Editor's note: Original article published 2/7/2023, updated 9/5/2023.