Mercedes-Benz’s huge Sprinter van might be many issues — a supply van, a service automobile, typically even a house for well-heeled #vanlifers — and as we speak, it may be all of that and all-electric with the arrival of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter. And whereas neither the specs nor the efficiency are precisely neck-snappers for people conversant in EVs, the eSprinter’s supposed function as an electrical business and fleet automobile comes with barely totally different expectations than passenger vehicles.
On this business van class, effectivity, working prices and reliability reign supreme, and the eSprinter’s electrical powertrain guarantees benefits in every of those classes that make it a more sensible choice for dense city environments than its diesel-powered counterparts.
Worth and availability
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is accessible for order now with a single long-wheelbase, high-roof cargo physique configuration and two motor choices. The usual 100-kilowatt variant begins at $74,181, whereas the “high-output” 150-kW motor steps as much as $77,611. Each costs embody the requisite $2,295 vacation spot charge, however not costly choices current on the automobiles I examined corresponding to Premium MBUX infotainment, a navigation and charging pace improve bundle and extra. Verify the fitting containers and this might simply change into an $80K+ electrical cargo van.
None of Mercedes’ EVs at present qualify for the full or partial federal EV tax credit score, and the eSprinter would not change that regardless of being constructed within the US at MB’s South Carolina plant and beginning beneath the value cap for electrical vans, vans and SUVs.
Modest efficiency, wonderful vary
Should you’re questioning why the citation marks round “high-output” earlier, it is as a result of 150 kW works out to solely round 201 horsepower driving the rear wheels. In the meantime, the 100-kW motor’s normal output converts to simply 134 hp. No matter standard- or high-output, all eSprinters characteristic the identical peak 295 pound-feet of torque with the identical 2,624-pound payload, 4,277-pound towing functionality and 488.1 cubic-foot cargo quantity.
For comparability, the diesel-powered Sprinter rolls out with standard-output (170 hp, 295 lb-ft) and high-output (211 hp, 332 lb-ft) engines in roughly the identical ballpark, however the best way the EV delivers its energy is totally different from the diesels. For starters, the EV can preserve its 295 lb-ft torque peak for less than round 30 seconds earlier than dropping all the way down to a lesser (and unspoken) torque determine. The diesels can keep of their peak powerband for longer, however require nine-speed transmissions to take action. The EV’s single-speed, no-shifting setup delivers smoother and quieter acceleration beneath light-to-moderate masses.
The eSprinter’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is new to Mercedes’ portfolio and noteworthy in that it requires no cobalt and no nickel in its development, making it extra immune to thermal runaway and cheaper to supply. The battery’s 113 kilowatt-hours of usable capability nets the electrical van an estimated 273 miles of vary on Europe’s WLTP take a look at cycle — a quantity that can seemingly shrink a bit as soon as subjected North American driving habits. (My instance estimated a 228-mile most vary on its journey laptop when departing with a 98% cost, however that is not precisely a dependable metric.)
To assist drivers steadiness vary and efficiency, the eSprinter options three drive modes (consolation, eco and most vary) that modify the accelerator response and local weather management system. 4 guide recuperation modes are selectable by way of paddles shifters on the steering wheel, starting from full coasting on accelerator raise (D++) to full regenerative braking (D-). There’s additionally D AUTO, which mechanically adjusts the regen stage for you primarily based on situations and site visitors.
The eSprinter’s charging port is positioned on the middle of the grille (like Nissan’s Leaf), which I believe is the perfect location.
Charging pace
Charging the eSprinter at a 9.6-kW AC wall charger takes about 12.5 hours from flat to full. On the go, it may possibly attain as much as 50 kW at a DC quick charger, going from 10% to 80% full in round 93 minutes. That is removed from the quickest charging EV to hit the market, however I am not going to complain too loudly given the eSprinter’s supposed use as an city utility automobile might not require frequent quick prices or lengthy journeys. Drivers needing to juice up rapidly can unlock as much as 115-kW DC charging — a part of $3,819 price of tech bundle choices — sprinting to 80% in round 42 minutes, which is shorter than a lunch break.
The van’s mixed charging system (CCS) port might be discovered entrance and middle behind the Mercedes’ massive three-point star badge. I believe that that is the most effective place for nose-in charging because it’s agnostic of which facet the pedestal is on and requires much less awkward stretching of charging cables. I want extra EV designers would put their ports right here.
Gradual and regular wins the (effectivity) race
As anticipated primarily based on the specs, the eSprinter’s acceleration is not superb. Loaded up with only a 200-something-pound driver and a 440-pound payload (nowhere close to the acknowledged 2,624-pound max), the 150-kW variant felt borderline underpowered when requested to climb the steeper hills across the Southern California testing space. Add to {that a} modest high pace of solely 75 mph and freeway driving additionally turns into an train in persistence. Thankfully, I am a really affected person driver.
Mercedes tells me that cargo quantity is extra essential than payload for many supply drivers, which is why these eSprinters are solely loaded with 440-pounds of their 2,624-pound max.
Round city and on flatter roads, the EV’s smoothness and silent operation outweighed the shortage of energy and, much more, I appreciated the power effectivity of the eSprinter. I averaged 2.0 miles per kilowatt-hour, which works out to round 67.4 mpg equal, on my first 82-mile leg of testing whereas nonetheless getting used to the van. Later within the day, with a greater concept of what to anticipate, I acquired as much as 2.3 milies per kWh (the gasoline equal of 77.5 mpg) over a shorter however nonetheless hilly 33-mile loop. Doing so required switching into the painfully sluggish Max Vary mode, however in contrast with the 17.3 mpg common reported by diesel Sprinter drivers on fuelly.com and with electrical energy being inexpensive per mile than gasoline (PDF), I might say it is price taking it a bit of sluggish to doubtlessly save some huge cash. Plus, there isn’t any gas effectivity penalty in any mode for the frequent stops, stop-and-go site visitors or idling usually encountered by supply drivers.
Sensible options and expertise
The eSprinter is accessible with the most recent era of the Mercedes-Benz Person Expertise (MBUX) infotainment with as much as a ten.25-inch touchscreen and the identical neatly organized software program that you’re going to discover in Benz’s passenger vehicles from the CLA to the EQS. Meaning good navigation that takes vary and charging stops under consideration when selecting routes, help for wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the wonderful “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. I used to be capable of make use of the latter to easily ask the automobile to activate the seat heaters after I was unable to seek out the bodily controls.
The MBUX navigation masses charging stations (with availability) together with map information. The white highlighted space signifies how far you may go on a single cost.
My instance additionally featured a trio of USB-C ports within the cubby atop the dashboard (one for information and two for charging gadgets) and a digital rearview mirror that transforms the middle mirror right into a show fed by a high-mount rear digicam on the flip of a change. This enormously improved rear visibility and security, particularly on my instance geared up with a strong bulkhead between the cabin and cargo areas that rendered the optical mirror utterly ineffective.
Nonetheless, the entire choices and packages begin to add up. After taking inventory of the upgrades on my instance, I discovered a bit of over $10,000 in non-compulsory tools, bringing my eSprinter Excessive-Output to an estimated as-tested worth of round $86,201.
Execs and cons of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter proved to be far more power environment friendly than its diesel-powered stablemates with respectable EV vary for a giant ol’ business van. I liked how quiet it was and the way the superior security options and electrical powertrain make such a big automobile straightforward to drive. Whereas the charging speeds are nothing to brag about, I believe the eSprinter prices quick sufficient for its supposed use.
The eSprinter could be nice for metropolis van makes use of like redistributing rideshare bikes, last-mile supply, cellular service or roadside help.
That stated, the efficiency, particularly on highways and hills, leaves a bit to be desired. The low high pace and DC charging charge aren’t dealbreakers, however they’re limitations that conspire to discourage long-distance hauls. Regardless of the potential for decrease working prices over the EV’s lifetime, it is also inconceivable to disregard the eSprinter’s upfront price is round $15,000 greater than a comparable diesel Sprinter. That stated, the eSprinter is inexpensive than Rivian’s Business Van, which begins at round $83,000, making it a extra tempting alternative for companies itching to combine electrical automobiles into their fleets.
At present, the eSprinter appears like a very good praise to the standard Sprinter, and I am enthusiastic about its potential functions. I can see fleet operators including the electrical van into their motor swimming pools alongside combustion automobiles to enhance common effectivity working prices throughout the fleet. There’s additionally the decrease upkeep prices of EVs to think about, which is bolstered by Mercedes’ guarantee overlaying 4 years (or 100,000 miles) of upkeep and guaranteeing lower than 30% battery degradation for the primary eight years (or 100,000 miles.) This technique would see the EV used for city service and final mile supply the place its benefits can shine, whereas sticking with a mixture of petroleum-powered vans for longer hauls and hilly rural routes the place the eSprinter’s efficiency, for now, appears to nonetheless undergo.
What’s subsequent from MB vans?
With the eSprinter high-roof cargo van rolling out, I hope we’ll see extra configurations getting the electrified remedy. European markets will get eSprinter variations with the usual roof and the shorter wheelbase. Maybe demand will carry these eSprinter cargo van variants or perhaps a passenger van to North America.
In the meantime, Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced that its upcoming electrical automobile platform, dubbed VAN.EA, will arrive in 2026. VAN.EA will ultimately underpin the next-generation of MB electrical vans from luxurious passenger vans to a alternative for the lately discontinued mid-size Metris to the next-generation of the eSprinter by 2030.
Editors’ observe: Journey prices associated to this story had been coated by the producer, which is widespread within the auto trade. The judgments and opinions of CNET’s employees are our personal and we don’t settle for paid editorial content material.