Mercedes has launched the new eSprinter in the UK. The pure-electric panel van joins a growing range of electric commercial vehicles, such as the Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter and Vauxhall Vivaro-e – and it’s available to order now, with prices starting from £51,950, excluding the Government’s £8,000 plug-in van grant
The Mercedes eSprinter’s electric powertrain comprises a 55kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axle, which has an output of 114bhp and 295Nm of torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 83mph and Mercedes says the van’s battery pack will provide an average range of 96 miles between charging stops.
Mercedes claims that, as the eSprinter’s battery pack is mounted under the van’s floor, the electric conversion hasn’t affected the size of its cargo bay. The eSprinter retains the same 11 cubic metre load space as the diesel-powered L2 H2 Sprinter van, although its maximum payload has been reduced from around one tonne to 774kg.
Using a conventional 7.4kW AC wallbox charger, the eSprinter’s battery pack will recover a full charge in around eight hours. However, buyers also have their choice of two DC fast charging systems, which can charge at either 20kW or 80kW. The standard system will top the van’s battery pack up to 80 per cent in 120 minutes, while the faster, 80kW option will achieve the same charge in just 30 minutes.
The eSprinter is only available in one trim-level – Mercedes’s mid-range Progressive specification. Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels, a full-width cargo bay partition, a heated driver’s seat, air conditioning, heat-insulating glass, a DAB radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity and an eight-metre mode 3 type 2 charging cable.
There’s a broad range of optional equipment, though, including 16-inch alloy wheels (£780), faux-leather seat upholstery (£72), heated and electrically folding wing mirrors (£204), a reversing camera (£606), a comfort driver’s seat (£132) and metallic paint (£678).
Buyers also get a comprehensive level of standard safety equipment, including active brake assist, crosswind assist, lane-keeping assist, a driver attention monitor and an emergency call function. There’s a Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm, too, which features theft warning alerts, a remote locking function and geo-fencing system.
Mercedes also offers a dedicated smartphone application, which allows owners to remotely manage the charging schedule of their eSprinter, as well as locate nearby charging stations, check the van’s battery capacity and simulate journeys to get an indication of the amount of range required.
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