Mercedes-Benz has revealed the cost details for the soon-to-be-released eSprinter electric van, which can now be purchased from American dealerships beginning today.
The eSprinter will be available in the US in a 170-inch long-wheelbase freight version with a high roof and a 113 kWh battery. With a starting price of $71,886, that model will be more expensive than the competition in the nascent e-van industry, which also includes the Ford e-Transit and the Volkswagen ID Buzz. The WLTP range of the eSprinter will be up to 400km (about 249 miles), but the EPA estimate is probably going to be less.
Mercedes’ plant in Charleston, South Carolina, as well as its German facilities in Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf, are now making the van. After 2030, the carmaker has stated that it will only sell electric automobiles.
The 170-inch long-wheelbase cargo variant of the eSprinter with a 113 kWh battery and a high-roof layout will be sold in the US.
The Mercedes eSprinter is intended for delivery or other business operations, just like the Ford e-Transit and BrightDrop Zevo. However, the eSprinter allows for non-commercial use, so anyone who wants to lead the nomadic lifestyle made popular by influencers who use the hashtag #vanlife can use it.
Thomas Ricker recently used an ID Buzz on a week-long camping trip and enjoyed it a lot, but thought there was room for improvement.
For the eSprinter, range is the key to success. Mercedes is eager to highlight the vehicle’s efficiency through its drive and recovery modes, of which there are three of the former and five of the latter. The company also claims to have the best-in-class range of statistics.
The automated function (D Auto), which automatically determines the energy recovery rate based on the traffic circumstances, is a distinctive benefit. To achieve optimal recovery, a radar sensor automatically modifies the strength of the recovery. When the driver lifts their foot from the accelerator, ECO Assist on the dashboard signals the vehicle to automatically select the appropriate force of recovery. Three drive programmes—eco, comfort, and maximum range—can help the driver drive more comfortably or efficiently.
Mercedes actually places a premium on EV economy. The company’s Vision EQXX, which can drive 1,000 km (621 mi) on a single charge, is marketed as the most effective EV ever. The recent record-breaking trip had an average usage of 8.7 kWh per 100 km (7.1 kWh per 62 mi), which is over three times the average for today’s EVs.
