The all-new 2024 Mercedes-benz Esprinter is revolutionizing the large van segment, bringing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to electric leadership to commercial fleets in the United States. For businesses seeking to enhance sustainability without compromising on capability, the eSprinter offers a compelling emission-free, battery-electric solution. This electric pioneer is not just about green credentials; it’s packed with technical innovations designed to optimize efficiency, extend range, and streamline fleet logistics.
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, emphasizes the eSprinter’s significance: “The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter underlines our claim to ‘Lead in Electric’ and kicks off the next stage of our electrification strategy. Its versatility and flexibility make the new eSprinter the ideal vehicle for a wide range of applications.” This statement highlights Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to not just entering the electric van market, but leading it with a vehicle that meets diverse business needs.
Unmatched Range and Efficiency for Commercial Needs
Launching in North America as a 170” wheelbase cargo van with a high roof, the 2024 eSprinter boasts a substantial 113 kWh battery (usable capacity). This large battery pack translates to an impressive simulated range of up to 273 miles (440 kilometers) based on the WLTP cycle. In urban environments, where stop-and-go traffic benefits regenerative braking, the simulated range extends even further to approximately 329 miles (530 kilometers) in the WLTP city cycle. This extended range capability positions the 2024 eSprinter as a practical choice for both daily urban routes and longer regional journeys, mitigating range anxiety for businesses transitioning to electric fleets.
The battery technology itself is noteworthy. Mercedes-Benz has opted for lithium/iron phosphate (LFP) technology, eliminating the need for cobalt and nickel. LFP batteries are recognized for their durability and suitability for commercial vehicle applications, contributing to a longer lifespan and robust performance under demanding use conditions. Furthermore, active thermal management and a standard heat pump enhance the eSprinter’s efficiency, optimizing battery temperature for peak performance and extending range, particularly in varying climates.
Practicality and Customization: A True Workhorse
The 2024 eSprinter doesn’t compromise on practicality. It offers a generous cargo capacity of 488 cubic feet, mirroring its internal combustion engine counterparts. With a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 9,370 lbs., the rear-wheel-drive eSprinter is ready to handle substantial payloads. To further enhance its utility, eXpertUpfitter solutions are available, allowing businesses to customize the cargo area with shelving systems, workbenches, heavy-duty wood floors, and more. This adaptability transforms the eSprinter into a mobile workshop, a spacious delivery vehicle, or any other configuration required for specific business operations.
Modular Design: Versatility at its Core
A key innovation in the 2024 eSprinter is its modular design. This architecture is built around three core modules:
- Front Module: Houses all high-voltage components, providing flexibility across different wheelbase and battery size configurations.
- Center Module: Integrates the high-voltage battery within a protective underbody housing. This placement optimizes space utilization and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, enhancing handling and driving safety.
- Rear Module: Encases the compact and powerful electric motor that drives the rear axle.
This modular approach not only simplifies production but also allows for greater versatility in adapting the eSprinter platform to future vehicle variants and technological advancements.
Advanced Electric Powertrain for Optimal Performance
The electric powertrain of the 2024 eSprinter showcases Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess with two newly developed components:
- Efficient Motor: A lightweight (286 lbs.) permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) delivers high efficiency and optimized thermal management. It is available in two power outputs: 100 kW or 150 kW peak output, with up to 295 lb.-ft of torque for at least 30 seconds. This ensures responsive acceleration and ample power for various driving conditions.
- Advanced Electric Rear Axle: This new rear axle design is specifically engineered for electric van applications, contributing to the eSprinter’s overall efficiency and performance.
Driver-Centric Technology and Connectivity
The 2024 eSprinter integrates cutting-edge in-car technology and Mercedes me connect digital services to support drivers and enhance the overall driving experience. The optional Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, familiar from Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, brings intuitive features like the “Hey Mercedes” voice control assistant and extensive personalization options to van customers.
Intelligent Safety and Assistance Systems
Safety is paramount, and the eSprinter is equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems:
- Standard Active Brake Assist: Provides autonomous emergency braking to mitigate or prevent collisions.
- Blind Spot Assist: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes.
- ATTENTION ASSIST: Monitors driver drowsiness and provides warnings to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
- Optional Digital Rear View Mirror: Offers an unobstructed rear view, even with a fully loaded cargo area. This digital mirror uses a High Dynamic Range camera mounted at the rear of the roof and displays the image on the conventional rearview mirror, which can switch between digital and conventional modes.
Optimizing Efficiency with Drive Modes and Recuperation
The 2024 eSprinter provides multiple features to maximize energy efficiency:
- Drive Modes: Three selectable drive modes – “Comfort,” “Economic,” and “Maximum Range” – allow drivers to tailor performance and energy consumption to their needs. “Comfort” delivers full power, “Economic” limits power for efficiency, and “Maximum Range” further reduces power and limits auxiliary features like climate control to maximize mileage.
- Regenerative Braking: Recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and braking, converting it back into electricity to recharge the battery and extend range. Five levels of recuperation (D-, D, D+, D++, and ‘D Auto’) can be selected using steering wheel paddles.
- ‘D Auto’ Recuperation: An intelligent automatic recuperation mode that adjusts the energy recovery rate based on real-time traffic conditions, optimizing energy regeneration without driver intervention.
- ECO Assist: Provides visual prompts in the dashboard to encourage drivers to lift off the accelerator pedal at appropriate times, allowing the vehicle to automatically optimize recuperation.
Seamless Navigation and Charging with Mercedes me Connect
Mercedes me connect services further enhance the electric vehicle ownership experience. Optional “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” calculates optimized routes that include charging stops, taking into account real-time traffic, topography, and charging station availability. This system also provides intelligent charging strategies to minimize travel time.
Convenient and Comprehensive Charging Solutions
The 2024 eSprinter supports both AC and DC charging. An onboard 9.6 kW charger facilitates AC charging at wallboxes, while DC fast-charging capability allows for charging speeds up to 115 kW. At a DC fast-charging station, the 113 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 42 minutes, minimizing downtime for businesses.
Mercedes me Charge simplifies public charging by integrating multiple charging network operators, including ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo, into a single network. With access to over 85,000 public charging points nationwide, Mercedes me Charge provides transparent pricing, remote charging session initiation, and consolidated billing. Mercedes-Benz USA’s partnership with ChargePoint also extends to fleet depot charging solutions, offering tailored hardware, telematics, and software for efficient fleet charging management.
Comprehensive Service Package and Battery Guarantee
Mercedes-Benz is committed to minimizing the total cost of ownership for eSprinter customers. A comprehensive service package covers the first four services within four years or 100,000 miles, including scheduled maintenance and inspections of high-voltage components. The battery certificate guarantees that the high-voltage battery will retain at least 70% of its initial capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles. An optional extended battery certificate increases the mileage limit to 185,000 miles.
Availability and Leasing Options
The 2024 eSprinter is now available for order at U.S. dealerships, with a starting MSRP of $71,866 (excluding destination and delivery charges). Leasing options are particularly attractive for commercial customers, with monthly lease payments starting at $998 for 36 months (for the 150 kW cargo van, with terms and conditions applying).
Global Production and Sustainable Manufacturing
Production of the 2024 eSprinter is underway at Mercedes-Benz Vans plants in North Charleston, SC (USA), Düsseldorf, and Ludwigsfelde (Germany). Mercedes-Benz Vans has invested approximately 350 million euros in the eSprinter project, with a significant portion dedicated to production adjustments at these plants. Reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability, the eSprinter is produced with net carbon-neutral processes.
2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter: At a Glance
| Cargo Van | |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP Standard Output | $71,8861 |
| Starting MSRP High Output | $75,3161 |
| Motor | 100kW / 150 kW Rear-axle |
| Battery | LFP (Lithium iron phosphate) |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 113 kWh |
| Charging time, wallbox (240V/32A, 0-100%) | ~12.5 hours |
| Charging time, DC Fast Charging (115kW, 10%-80%) | ~42 min. |
| Length | 280.4 in. |
| Width w/mirrors (w/o mirrors) | 92.3 in. (79.5 in.) |
| Height | 107.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 170 in. |
| Max. Payload (lbs) | 2,624 lbs. |
| Max, GVWR (lbs) | 9,370 lbs. |
| Max, GCWR | 11,023 lbs. |
| Cargo Volume (cu ft) | 488 |
| Drive Config. | RWD |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Top speed (mph) | 75 mph |
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States, including Mercedes-Benz Vans. MBUSA offers a diverse lineup of luxury vehicles, including a growing portfolio of all-electric models. For more information, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
