Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the all-new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, an electrified version of the Sprinter cargo van lineup. Set to launch in the United States sometime during the second half of 2023 – and in Europe sometime towards the end of 2023 – this all-electric cargo van will serve as a direct rival to the BrightDrop Zevo 600 and BrightDrop Zevo 400.
At launch, the North American version of the eSprinter van will be offered only with the largest battery available, which has a usable capacity of 113 kWh. The on-board charger has a maximum output of 9.6 kW, while the eSprinter can be DC fast-charged at speeds of up to 115 kW. This means it will take owners roughly 42 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent of full capacity. Total range will be roughly 250 miles based on the more optimistic WLTP test procedures used in Europe. Two electric powertrains will be offered, one with 134 horsepower, the other with 201 horsepower, with both delivering 295 pound-feet of torque.
Mercedes-Benz has invested 350 million Euros (roughly $375 million USD) to facilitate production of the all-electric eSprinter. Of this sum, 50 million Euros (roughly $53 million USD) were invested directly into production plants to handle production output of this Sprinter variant, including the Charleston plant in South Carolina.
“The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter consistently follows our strategy – to be the leader in electric mobility with the most desirable vans while achieving profitable growth worldwide,” said Head of Mercedes-Benz Mathias Geisen. “With the new eSprinter, we are taking the electric large van segment to a new level. The triad of efficiency, range and load capacity with simultaneous TCO optimization makes the new eSprinter the most versatile Mercedes-Benz eVan ever.”
As previously mentioned, this all-new eSprinter will directly compete with GM’s BrightDrop Zevo 600 and BrightDrop Zevo 400 all-electric delivery vans. As a reminder, both Zevo EVs feature GM Ultium batteries and GM Ultium Drive motors, while the Zevo 600 offers upwards of 600 cubic feet of cargo room, and Zevo 400 offers upwards 400 cubic feet of cargo room. In addition, GM claims the Zevo 600 can cover as much as 250 miles on a full battery charge, following the EPA’s test procedures.
BrightDrop has already amassed over 25,000 reservations and letters of intent for its all-electric delivery vans. In fact, FedEx has already taken deliveries of the first Zevo 600 units, which are now in operation in California. Additionally, BrightDrop recently expanded its business to Canada, adding DHL to its customer list.
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Comments
I sold a new Express Van for $28,500 two years ago. I sold the same 2021 van with 30,000 miles to a customer last week for $39,500. The buyer expressed his frustration with manufacturers. Very few people are interested in BrightDrop vans, outside of the left coast.
I don’t think the Brightdrop vans aren’t meant to replace your standard cargo van, they are really meant for your last mile delivery companies like FedEx and UPS.
Definitely. Plumbers and electricians want ICE cargo vans and they want V8’s. Unfortunately, GM has turned their back on these people for the last two years. They are currently building only V6 models. V6’s won’t work for most trades.
The advantage the BrightDrop has is that it was built and designed from the ground up as an EV instead of a conversion of an existing internal combustion vehicle.
That’s great but it won’t work for the majority of plumbers or electricians.
Up to 249 Miles on the WLTP (Which is not anywhere near the EPA Standard) is not good enough. These yes will be used like the Rivian and Brightdrop by Last mile Delivery Services that do not need more than like 100 Miles a day but for the Construction Companies that travel this is not good enough. So I would imagine the Long WB and the Tall Roof-line will get 120 miles.
Mercedes better hurry up and get as many people in this Van as possible because if Rumors are to be believed, Tesla will have a Cargo Van by 2026 and I would be floored if the Miles per Charge are this Pathetic overall.
I am sure that the GM upcoming BEV Twins replacing the OG’s by 2026 as well will have better range than this.