TEST V

It is said that the first person to drive a motor car was Bertha Benz, the wife of the engineer Karl Benz. The story goes that on her famous trip Bertha had difficulty sourcing fuel for the ‘Motorwagen’. This meant she had to visit several Pharmacies to buy Ligroin, a petroleum/solvent, because in 1888, there were no petrol stations, as there were no cars.

In some ways, history appears to be repeating itself. We have a lack of charging points because there are too few Electric Vehicles (EVs) to make it viable. As a result, some, particularly business operators, are hesitant to take the plunge because there are too few charging points.

Mercedes-Benz has been developing commercial EVs for well over a decade. In fact ‘Fleet Transport’ was shown early prototype versions of eVito and eSprinter as far back as 2009/10. We mention this to highlight that an electric-powered Sprinter has not been developed overnight and operators can be confident that this is another version of Sprinter, which is one of the longest-serving models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.

Currently, eSprinter is available in only one size - that is the medium length, hi-roof model, powered by a 41 kWh battery installed as standard. There is the option of a lighter 35 kWh battery which may interest some as it will reduce costs and charge times for those not needing the distance. While that 35 kWh unit will reduce the range available, it will increase carrying capacity so the choice is determined by the nature of the work.

With the standard 41 kWh battery what one gets is a FWD model of Sprinter now powered by an 85 kW motor delivering 300 Nm of torque. To offer a comparison Mercedes-Benz engineers stated that the eSprinter will provide similar performance to the diesel-powered 311 Sprinter, claiming also that the range is a comfortable 120 kms, and charging times from 0% to 100% will take 6 hours with a 7.4 kW AC charger. If required eSprinter can be fast-charged from a level of 10% to approximately 80% in about 70 minutes using a 20 kW DC charger.

Driving the eSprinter is as familiar as driving any other Sprinter except it is quieter, smoother, and arguably handles better, thanks to the lower centre of gravity provided by the added weight of the battery. As with all EVs, power is delivered instantly making the van’s performance equal to, or better than many passenger cars. Of course, regularly applying full power will reduce the range which in turn can shorten the working day. However, eSprinter has a clever regeneration paddle control behind the steering wheel to help manage the regeneration process.

By simply clicking this four-stage control with the left or right hand fingers allows the driver to adjust the level of regeneration that occurs once the accelerator is released. Sensible use of this will (with a little practice) bring the van to a stop without using the footbrake and so to realise other savings. There is also a driving mode switch

allowing three modes to be selected - Comfort, Economy, and Economy+, - good use of these modes will greatly increase the practicality of eSprinter.

While the van comes with the classic Mercedes-Benz exterior, the interior, while managing to have all that is required is somewhat spartan. eSprinter has a respectable carrying capacity both in volume and payload, and within its immediate limitations is a realistic working LCV.

Now that the long-serving MercedesBenz Sprinter has been electrified, the question must be asked whether, after years of development, the new eSprinter is a practical ‘un-plug and play’ electric light commercial. The answer, most definitely, is yes.

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter – Electric eSprinter - time to ‘Un-plug & Play’

SPEC CHECK

Text & Photos: Paul White – paul@fleet.ie

Make Mercedes-Benz Model / Chassis / Cab eSprinter / 4x2 FWD / Panel Van Battery / Power / Torque 41 kWh / 85 kW / 300 Nm Range 120 km (WLTP) Charge Time/s 0 to 100% - 6 hours with a 7.4 kW AC charger 10% to 80% - 70 minutes with a 20 kW DC charger