NEWS
The latest eSprinter will offer an estimated average driving range of up to 400km, or 500km in city running.
Upgraded eSprinter on the charge THE DEVELOPMENT PACE IN THE ELECTRIC VAN segment is rapid with Mercedes-Benz announcing details of its latest eSprinter models. Set to go on sale in North America and Europe later this year, the eSprinter will offer best-in-class range in the electric panel van segment along with a choice of two body styles and lengths plus three battery sizes. In its most capable specification the eSprinter with a long wheelbase and high roof will offer 14 cubic metres of cargo space, a GVW of 4250kg and a battery with usable capacity of 113kWh. Depending on range and payload requirements, customers can also choose batteries with usable capacities of 56 or 81kWh. Lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry allows the batteries to be free of cobalt and nickel, with active thermal management to ensure maximum efficiency. The eSprinter is built on three modules. The front and back modules can be used with all available variants, regardless of wheelbase and battery sizes, ensuring maximum production efficiencies. The module for the integrated high-voltage battery is housed in the underbody of the front module between the axles to save space and also
creates a low centre of gravity, which has a positive influence on handling and Internal increases driving safety. The rear module features an electrically driven rear axle and a powerful electric motor. The electric range, based on the WLTP test cycle, will be up to 400km and 500km in the WLTP city cycle. The new permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM), which weighs only around 130kg, delivers particularly high efficiency. The motor is available in 100kWand 150kW power levels and delivers to 400Nm of torque. The panel van will launch in Europe at the end of 2023, with the cab chassis variant and other battery variants following, making the eSprinter an option for numerous body configurations. The new eSprinter is capable of charging with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The on-board charger, which converts the current in the vehicle when charging with alternating current, for example at a wallbox, has a maximum output of 11kW. Fast charging (DC) at up to 115kW allows a charge from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes for the 56kWh model and about 42 minutes for the 113kWh battery. T&D
New CEO at StraitNZ NATIONAL TRANSPORT OPERATOR StraitNZ, owner of the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries, has appointed leading transport executive Shane McMahon as its new CEO. Mr McMahon took the helm at StraitNZ on February 13. He comes to the company following a five-year stint as CEO of Airwork Helicopters, the largest general aviation business in New Zealand. Prior to Airwork, Mr McMahon spent eight years as COO of the then Infratil-owned NZ Bus, which was New Zealand’s largest public transport company. StraitNZ chair Dr Nicki Crauford says the Board is delighted to have secured someone of Mr 12 | Truck & Driver
McMahon’s calibre to lead the group. “Shane has extensive experience across the transport sector and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our business faces as a critical infrastructure provider,” says Dr Crauford. Mr McMahon says he’s looking forward to working with the StraitNZ team and its’ partners in an industry he is passionate about. “StraitNZ has a long and proud history within New Zealand’s transport sector and I’m looking forward to leading the group as it continues to provide important infrastructure services to New Zealand.” T&D
