Mercedes-Benz Vans wants to anchor its claim to leadership in e-mobility in its strategy and consistently electrify all model series. This also applies to the basis of special vehicles. According to a press release, bodybuilders and customers can already choose from four battery-electric vans: the eVito panel van, the eSprinter , the eVito Tourer, and the EQV. In the coming year, the new Citan will also be available with a battery-electric drive.
The wide range of different bodies and extensions with locally emission-free vans from Mercedes-Benz is already possible today, as demonstrated by various models. The “eSprinter Pharma”, for example, is equipped with a fully electric temperature control system. The combination of connection to the vehicle’s on-board network and buffer battery ensures a manually adjustable, constant temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius – even if the driver stops to deliver goods. In addition, the vehicle can be equipped with an optional refrigerated container for a second temperature zone.
The special vehicle industry of rescue, fire brigade and police has been of great importance for Mercedes-Benz for decades, it continues. The Sprinter has been used as an ambulance since the first generation was launched in 1995. Mercedes-Benz Vans and the body manufacturer “Ambulanz Mobile” have developed a fully electric medical vehicle based on the eSprinter. Despite the necessary fixtures in the patient room, the permissible total weight of 3.5 tons is maintained.
The company also refers to the “Electric Versatility Platform”, on which the next generation of the eSprinter will be gradually produced in Charleston, Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde from the second half of 2023 . With three battery and numerous body variants, all customer requirements are taken into account. The range will more than double compared to the current eSprinter, depending on the configuration. Likewise, the loading volume is growing.
What body and extension solutions might be possible in the future were shown by concept vehicles based on the next generation of the eSprinter, announced Mercedes-Benz. In the case of the “eGrocery concept” for the transport of food, for example, the energy stored in the vehicle battery supplies the electric cooling system with electricity and ensures constant minus temperatures.
With the “CEP delivery concept” for use in courier, express, and parcel services, the “Speed Delivery Door” brings the deliverer considerable advantages on his daily tours, as he does not have to constantly open and close the sliding door to the loading space by hand. The modular platform also enables an individual configuration – be it for inner-city use or for longer trips across the country.
