
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a battery-electric version of its famous Sprinter, and it is confirmed for a local introduction next year.
“As we embark on a new era of sustainable mobility, we are proud to announce that the eSprinter will arrive in South Africa by 2024,” said Nadia Trimmel, president of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa.
“This vehicle will offer a game-changing solution for businesses and individuals looking for a cost-effective, environmentally friendly mode of transportation. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all.”
Depending on the market, the eSprinter can be had in a practical panel van shape as well as a chassis cab, offering an attractive base vehicle for a variety commercial sectors.
Electric cargo carrier
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter features a single rear-mounted electric motor offering two levels of output ranging from 100kW to 150kW, with a peak of 400Nm on tap.
The power unit is fueled by a lithium-ion phosphate battery with a usable capacity of 56kWh, 81kWh, or 113kWh, determined by the individual range and payload requirements of the buyer. In mixed conditions, the 113kWh pack supplies a range of up to 400km, whereas in city driving it reaches a maximum of 500km.
With a 115kW DC fast-charging plug, the smallest module can charge from 10-80% in 28 minutes, and the largest one takes approximately 42 minutes.
“The electrically-driven rear axle makes cab chassis variants possible in addition to the classic panel van,” said Mercedes.
“For the customer, this brings advantages with regard to conversions and superstructures, vehicle lengths (A2 and A3), maximum gross vehicle weight (up to 4.25 tonnes), and trailer loads (up to 2 tonnes).”
The electrified eSprinter further comes with the latest connectivity and infotainment systems, some of which were previously only reserved for the brand’s passenger cars.
This includes the MBUX media centre that provides “numerous features and services to make everyday life with an electric vehicle easier for customers,” said the automaker.
Navigation with “Electric Intelligence” is one of these abilities which assists in route planning by, for example, showing the current range in real time depending on the traffic situation and the topography of the route.
It then calculates the best possible charging strategy to get to the destination as quickly as possible or to have a desired state of charge at the destination.
“Other highlights include increased performance, extensive personalisation options, and optimisations of the “Hey Mercedes” voice control assistant,” said the company.
The South African pricing and model range for the new eSprinter have yet to be announced, with these to be revealed closer to the introduction time.
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