During the final test sessions for the all-new eSprinter, Mercedes gathered results on the consumption of its zero-emission van. Completing a journey from Untertürkheim to the airport of Münich and back, the van registered a range of 475 kilometers on a single charge.

This autonomy corresponds with an average consumption of 21,9 kWh/100 km, which is very favorable for a van in the size of the 3,5 tons category. The figures aren’t homologated results, though. So, they could be attributed to possibly favorable circumstances and a skilled driver on board.

Strain on consumption

However, as for the route, the real-world conditions weren’t the most favorable. Starting on the B10 and swapping to the A8 and then the A99, the vehicle traveled mainly on the highway, where higher speeds usually put more strain on consumption. Also, the climb up the Swabian Jura was deliberately kept on the route to raise the bar.

Though the van wasn’t loaded, the driver didn’t travel to the airport alone. Instead, in the passenger seat was an inspector from the testing, inspection, and certification company TÜV SÜD, who officially registered the result.

Doubling current range

To give an idea of the numbers: a similarly sized Ford E-Transit portrays an official consumption of 29,7 kWh/100 km and holds a range of 263 kilometers. But these are WLTP figures. We’ll have to wait for February 2023, when the Mercedes eSprinter is officially launched, to compare more justly.

The progress over the current eSprinter seems tangible, though. With an official consumption between 30,0 and 50,7 kWh/100 km, its range is less than half as good: between 108 and 176 kilometers.

First time in North America?

As for the driveline, the new eSprinter will leave a choice between three battery packs. In addition, it will be made available in several body types, from panel vans to chassis for box bodies. According to Mercedes, this electric version will be the most flexible in the model’s history and open up new markets besides Europe.

As a first, North-American customers will be able to order it with a three-pointed star badge. But it’s not the first time the German van lands across the Ocean. It was already available in the past when Mercedes rebadged it as a Dodge and Freightliner vehicle as the then-owner of Chrysler.