Mercedes-Benz in Ireland is poised to expand its e-van range with the introduction of new eSprinter van range. It is an all-new, all-electric model comparable to conventional Sprinters that will take its place alongside the already introduced eVito.
Set to arrive here in late August or early September, the new high-roof eSprinter is billed as ‘the next milestone in the electrification of Mercedes-Benz vans’.
Designed to complement and extend the existing Sprinter range, all winners of the highly-coveted Continental Irish Van of the Year Award at the time of their introduction, the eSprinter is described by Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady as “a high-capacity van that will appeal to users in the pharmaceuticals, food, utilities, vehicle hire, distribution and parcel delivery sectors”.
With front-wheel drive and a standard wheelbase, its specifications include an overall length of 6088mm, payload of 1045kg, kerb weight of 2455 kg, gross vehicle weight of 3500kg and a high roof design for maximum spaciousness. Cargo volume is an unrestricted 11cubic metres, made possible by positioning its batteries beneath the floor.
Said by Fergus Conheady to be ‘a low-emissions, reliable and flexible carrier, the new eSprinter combines all the attributes by which fleet operators measure their vehicles. “A proven and spacious performer, it has the specifications to enable operators to demonstrate responsible eco-friendly credentials,” he said.
Its electric power unit delivers a peak output of 85 kW and up to 295 Nm torque. Battery capacity of 47 kWh (installed: 55 kWh ) delivers usable factory-quoted figures of 168kms with a maximum load of 891kgs.
It can be charged from 10-80 percent in just 70 minutes or over a more extended 6 hours using a standard 7.3 kW street/fuel station charge point. Maximum speed can be configured to suit the task in hand - top speed can be set at either 80 km/h, 100 km/h or 120 km/h. More on this later.
