Initial Impressions: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Paves the Way for Electric Van Living
Navigating the 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter through the perpetually packed Interstate 405 in the Los Angeles area, amidst the multitude of lanes teeming with traditional gas-emitting commercial vans, it struck me: The majority of these could be battery-powered. And that shift is on the horizon.
Big vans offer a versatile platform for companies, serving various purposes such as transport vehicles, passenger carriers, or traveling workstations. However, when it comes to electric models, their potential has felt somewhat limited. This is due to restrictions on battery capacity that impact their range of use, or due to design constraints.
The eSprinter is poised to eliminate justifications for both small and large companies, as well as fleet supervisors responsible for managing these vehicles. Considering factors such as running expenses, functionality, or driving experience, diesel is facing obsolescence for urban or significant metropolitan applications.
2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
The focus on electric vans for last-mile delivery has been prevalent for several years. However, the 2024 eSprinter is now available at U.S. dealerships and it’s setting itself apart from the competition. Specifically marketed in the U.S., the eSprinter is demonstrating more ambitious goals. It will exclusively be offered with its highest capacity battery option, providing a practical range of 113 kWh.
The eSprinter will come in various versions and models for the European market, but the models designated for the U.S. will exclusively be the long-wheelbase version of the cargo van, equipped with a high roof and a large battery pack.
This describes a car with a total length of 280 inches and a wheelbase measuring 170 inches, with a height reaching 107.1 inches. In more common terms, it stands just shy of 9 feet tall, which is something to keep in mind when considering clearance levels in parking structures.
2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Electric Van
Upcoming 2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz eS
2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
According to Mercedes, the eSprinter’s design allows for a cargo space of 488.1 cubic feet. It has the capacity to carry a load of up to 2,624 pounds and has a total vehicle weight limit of 9,370 pounds. Additionally, it can tow up to 4,200 pounds.
When constructing an eSprinter, the primary decision to be made currently revolves around the vehicle’s power capacity. The entry-level model of the eSprinter is priced from $74,181 for the 100-kw option, and for the 150-kw model, prices begin at $77,611, with these figures encompassing a $2,295 charge for delivery. This translates to a horsepower of either 134 or 201, but regardless of the choice, Mercedes assures that both models can provide 295 lb-ft of torque for a minimum duration of 30 seconds.
Delving into the statistics, Mercedes guarantees improved fuel economy compared to my brief test drive of the Ford E-Transit from over a year ago, or even versus Ford’s own assertions. Additionally, the seating and overall comfort in the eSprinter outshine the E-Transit. Moreover, the eSprinter achieves greater distance using less power compared to the Rivian EDV700. Despite Rivian’s initial claim of a 201-mile range as per EPA standards, the transition to an LFP battery pack seems to have resulted in a reduced 153-mile range.
Mercedes claims that under the optimistic WLTP testing standards, the eSprinter van can travel up to 273 miles on a single charge when carrying a minimal payload. While the stringent EPA testing procedures are not mandatory for this category of vehicles and are often indicative of maximum efficiency driving behaviors, there have been findings that have challenged my initial beliefs about these results.
Currently, the starting price for the E-Transit is $51,890, in comparison to the Rivian vans which begin at $83,000. The cost for Ram’s upcoming ProMaster Electric Van series has not been disclosed, but it appears to be more aligned with the E-Transit and is geared towards last-mile delivery services.
2024 Model of Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
The eSprinter’s market appeal in the US is largely due to its superior driving distance and energy efficiency, which outperforms any other electric van I’ve tested.
Before anything else, I was curious to determine whether the vehicle’s performance would remain consistent when operated in the same aggressive manner as we frequently observe with delivery vans in large urban regions—rapidly and occasionally pushing the boundaries. Therefore, throughout a 62-mile journey from LAX to Newport Beach, which included a stop at the Port of Long Beach, we primarily drove with the urgency of a pressed-for-time courier, predominantly utilizing the eSprinter’s Comfort mode that allows for easier access to its full power capability.
Mercedes loaded the test eSprinters with a 440-pound weight to both stabilize the ride, which tends to be bumpier when the vans are unladen, and to highlight how the added weight affects the van’s efficiency, braking, and maneuverability.
2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van
During that particularly lively journey which took us through a series of busy streets, involved a hard acceleration from a standstill, and included some aggressive driving on the 405 along with a period maxed out at the 75-mph speed limit, the onboard computer showed our efficiency to be 1.9 miles per kilowatt-hour. This rate would enable us to cover a distance of 215 miles on a single charge, without having to particularly focus on driving economically.
We utilized only a minimal segment of the battery’s capacity, witnessing a decrease from roughly 85% when we commenced to 66% upon arrival at our endpoint.
Subsequently, during a journey that stretched close to 35 miles and encompassed varying traffic conditions—from the leisurely pace of seaside roads to the quicker flow on hilly roads typical of the suburbs, along with a segment on a highway where speeds touched around 65 mph—the consumption was recorded at an average of 2.4 miles per kilowatt-hour.
2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz Electric Sprinter Van
When considering the battery pack’s 113 kWh of usable energy, this aligns with the eSprinter’s reported 273-mile range under WLTP standards. However, in my experience, I’ve never approached the WLTP range estimates without driving at a dangerously slow pace, whereas this time I was keeping up with the normal flow of traffic.
It crossed my mind that although this massive van has almost twice the frontal surface area compared to some small crossover electric vehicles, it was able to travel the same distance on a kilowatt-hour.
During my run, I took three actions. I completely shut down the climate control system, adjusted the regenerative braking to allow for smoother coasting, and activated the Maximum Range setting.
2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, featuring an electric vehicle system
In Comfort mode, the full capacity of 150 kW from the propulsion system can be utilized; however, Eco mode limits this to 100 kW, and Max Range further restricts it to 80 kW. Additionally, the efficiency of the climate system is slightly decreased in Eco mode and even more so when in Max Range
The eSprinter offers a variety of options for brake regeneration, with a total of five settings available via the steering-wheel paddles. The range includes the most intense setting, D–, which doesn’t quite allow for single-pedal driving, to D++, which allows for coasting without any regenerative braking. The D+ setting offers an experience more akin to operating a traditional gasoline or diesel van. Holding down the right paddle activates D Auto, which adjusts based on radar data, elevation changes, and map details, though it doesn’t factor in the driver’s habits.
2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
Geared up for all types of emission-free tasks
Mercedes has indicated that it’s targeting the delivery sector with its eSprinter model.
It’s evident that Mercedes has engineered the eSprinter with the versatility to accommodate purposes beyond mere delivery tasks. The lightweight permanent-magnet motor, tipping the scales at a mere 286 pounds, along with other drive-related parts, are all neatly housed under the bonnet. This strategic placement ensures the floor remains level, which is crucial for chassis variants or custom modifications—options that Mercedes confirms could include airport shuttle buses, emergency medical vehicles, or flatbed machinery carriers.
The approach for the eSprinter involves envisioning the electric van as a trio of segments: the foremost section containing high-voltage elements, a central section housing a slimline battery tipping the scales at slightly above 1,000 pounds, and the end section comprising the solitary motor setup.
2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van
In its American configuration, the eSprinter is adaptable for various uses, allowing for the installation of racks, benches, or reinforced wooden flooring to cater to substantial weight requirements or to transform it into a traveling workstation.
The eSprinter is available with a choice of Mercedes‘ MBUX multimedia system, which includes access to cloud services, along with the standard features such as GPS, media, and comprehensive readouts of the drive system. It boasts a 10.3-inch touch-sensitive screen, voice command capabilities, and a combination of touch-sensitive and tangible controls on the steering wheel, mirroring the experience found in Mercedes‘ personal vehicles. I appreciated the wealth of details accessible via the central screen, although Mercedes has chosen to maintain a minimalist design for the dashboard’s instrument panel.
2024 Model of Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
2024 Model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
2024 Model of Mercedes-Benz eSprinter with Electric Vehicle Features
2024 Model of Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
Additional features available for the eSprinter encompass a windshield with heating capabilities, a steering wheel that warms up, mirrors that can fold electronically, a climate control system that adjusts automatically, and a security alarm.
Another optional feature, the electronic rearview mirror, is something I would highly recommend adding to your purchase, whether you’re getting just one or multiple units. Typically, I’m not keen on electronic mirrors due to their impact on depth perception, but in this case, it proved to be a helpful addition. It broadens your perspective significantly and enhances your ability to gauge the distance to the end of a parking space. Let’s face it, this vehicle isn’t exactly compact, so squeezing into parking spaces will be a tight affair.
The LFP battery pack presents an intelligent alternative to diesel usage. This pack utilizes a cobalt and nickel-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP) composition in the form of prismatic cells provided by CATL. Mercedes has highlighted these cells as optimal for business applications, offering reduced wear and tear per driving cycle, which is particularly beneficial for fleet operations that may involve frequent charging to full capacity.
The 2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
The United States version of the eSprinter is equipped with a 9.6-kilowatt integrated charger, enabling it to fully charge overnight using a 240-volt wallbox, which is suitable for the majority of commercial applications. Additionally, it features a Combined Charging System (CCS) for DC quick charging at a standard rate of 50 kilowatts. However, with an upgrade to the optional 115-kilowatt peak capacity, it can achieve a charge from 10% to 80% in approximately
Mercedes is providing a warranty for their battery to retain at least 70% of its initial capacity for a duration of either 8 years or up to 100,000 miles driven. To put frequent drivers at ease, especially those who are used to diesel engines, there’s an available „optional battery certificate“ that prolongs this coverage to either 8 years or a distance of 185,000 miles, which is based on an average driving distance of 445 miles every week throughout the year.
The eSprinter is equipped with a system that can heat up the battery as well as the vehicle’s interior. This feature is useful for charging the vehicle or for simply warming it up before driving in extremely cold conditions. This function is particularly important for the LFP batteries utilized in the eSprinter, as they tend to perform less efficiently in extreme cold.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific timeline for the integration of the Tesla-derived NACS charging port into the electric vans, indicating that it will not occur within the initial one to two years.
Upcoming 2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz eS
Unveiling a lineup of electric passenger vans, recreational vehicles, and additional offerings
Manufacturing of the eSprinter takes place across three international sites—specifically in Ludwigsfelde and Düsseldorf in Germany, as well as in North Charleston, South Carolina within the United States. The eSprinters designated for the U.S. market will all be produced domestically.
The current eSprinter serves as a temporary solution, but it plays a significant role. The upcoming electric vans, which will be based on the Van.EA platform, are set to launch in 2026. These will have more diverse drivetrain options, such as all-wheel drive, and are designed with the goal of ultimately taking over the market from vans that run on traditional fuel engines.
Mercedes has outlined critical measures to meet its goals of converting 20% of its van sales to electric by 2026, and half by 2030. The company has introduced Van.EA, signifying its intention to supply the U.S. and China with „all-electric midsize luxury vans“ and also to launch „a new line of electric recreational vehicles.“
There
Upcoming 2024 model of the Mercedes-Benz eS
Similar to its approach with passenger electric vehicles like the EQE and EQS, Mercedes-Benz seems to be offering conservative estimates on the driving range, which is actually beneficial.
The eSprinter is hitting the market boasting impressive stats and a design that caters to American preferences. Having taken it for a spin, it’s evident that the era of electric-powered van living is just around the corner.
Numerous local enterprises and distribution operations nationwide find this solution currently suitable. In the near future, enjoyment is set to ensue.
Mercedes-Benz supplied lodging and meals, and took care of a portion of the travel expenses, enabling Green Car Reports to share their direct experiences with the vehicle.
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