The second generation of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter has been revealed, with the large van getting two lengths, three battery sizes and plenty of flexibility for conversions.
The new version of the eSprinter comes not long after the first generation, which only launched in 2020 but it always felt behind the pace thanks to its poor range. This all-new model claims to be able to travel up to 248 miles between charges – up to 310 miles on the WLTP city cycle, according to Mercedes.
This wouldn’t just blow the previous version’s paltry 96-mile maximum out of the water, it would be better than anything else on the market as things stand. The market-leading Ford E-Transit claims a maximum of 196 miles for example.
There are plenty of other important and impressive-sounding statistics, too. There will be two lengths available, a maximum gross vehicle weight of 4.25 tonnes (which you can drive on a standard licence with additional training) and a top trailer weight of two tonnes.
What battery and motor does the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter come with?
The 2023 Mercedes eSprinter gets much more in the way of battery options than the first generation, with three different packs to choose from. The three options are a 56kWh, an 81kWh and a 113kWh battery pack. Mercedes says these can be charged on both AC and DC points, with a maximum charging capacity of 115kW, where available at fast chargers.
This means that the 56kWh battery can be taken from 10% to 80% in around 28 minutes, while the 113kWh version does the same in around 42 minutes.
There are two new innovations in the electric powertrain, says Mercedes. The first is what is called a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) that weighs 130kg and is said to be highly efficient. This can be had with a choice of 100kW (134hp) or 150kW (201hp) outputs. This isn’t as much as the 296hp top power option in the Ford E-Transit, but it is still an impressive figure for a large van. More impressive is the 400Nm of torque, which promises a decent amount of strength for towing and dealing with high payloads.
Payload is one figure that Mercedes hasn’t confirmed yet, but it has previously said it is aiming for ‘best-in-class performance’ in areas such as this, so hopes and expectations are high. It has confirmed a top loading capacity of 14m3, though.
What versions of Mercedes eSprinter will there be?
The other innovation is an electrically driven rear axle, which means that Mercedes can offer chassis cab versions of the eSprinter, in addition to the panel vans.
There are more versions promised, though, right from the start. Mercedes has shown a dropside, a box van and promised a people-moving model too.
The flexibility comes thanks to a three-module construction. The front and back one can be used with all variants of eSprinter. The front module is where the integrated high-voltage battery sits, down low between the axles. This is also where all the high-voltage components go.
The middle module contains extra batteries, while the rear one hosts that electrically driven rear axle and the electric motor.
Mercedes has also revamped the MBUX infotainment system, which will now be able to offer navigation with ‘Electric Intelligence’ – this will help show the current range in real time, factoring in traffic and even the various hills on the route. It will also help you plan the best places to charge to arrive as soon as possible or with as much charge remaining.
How much will the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter cost and when can I buy one?
The first versions of the Mercedes eSprinter are not too far off now – the high-range panel van is set to launch in the US and Canada in the second half of 2023, with Europe not far behind in the latter stages of the same year. There isn’t a precise UK date yet, but it could drift into early 2024.
The panel van will come first, with the chassis cab and other variants set to follow as part of a gradual launch thereafter.
