INTRODUCING THE NEW FUSO CANTER

Mercedes-Benz Vans, together with Austrian Post, is testing filter technology developed in cooperation with Mann + Hummel in real-life operations.

The technology, which is designed to reduce fine particle emissions in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, including those generated from tyre, brake and asphalt abrasion, was first introduced in October 2021 via the Sustaineer (Sustainability Pioneer) technology platform from MercedesBenz Vans.

In August, two eSprinters operated by Austrian Post (Österreichische Post), the country’s major provider of postal services, were equipped with integrated fine particle filters in the front module. Since then, the all-electric vans have

After inspection and examination of the filters by the filtration specialist Mann + Hummel, it was determined that the filters were undamaged and without deformation. Since the start of the pilot project, the eSprinters were in use for almost 60 days and each filtered around 6.400 milligrams of dust from the ambient air.

This makes it clear, after just a few weeks of test operation, that the use of the filters in this urban delivery situation can be suitable for improving environmental air quality. The fine particles are filtered out close to the source, i.e. where the concentration level in the city is highest. Further results from the ongoing test operation are expected in mid-2023.

In addition to the durability of the filters, the pilot project will also analyse the effects on the vehicles.

The Institute of Energy & Environmental Technology (IUTA) in the German city of duisburg is providing scientific support for the project. The filters are regularly checked on site by both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Mann+Hummel.

MercedesBenz eSprinter undertakes pilot project with Austrian Post to test particle filter technology

platform Sustaineer which shows how the electrified commercial transport sector can contribute to liveable cities been out and about in Graz every day and have to date covered a total of almost 10,000 km on their delivery routes. Initial findings indicate that the filters can be an effective solution in eliminating particle emissions.

On their daily tours, Austrian Post’s test vans travel an average of 60 km each. The routes lead from the postal logistics centre in k alsdorf to the city centre of Graz and back. On a tour, each of the two eSprinter delivers an average of 160 parcels and stops just under 100 times.

The initiative fits seamlessly into Austrian Post’s smart overall concept, known as “Green Graz”. Since November 2021, the Austrian postal fleet in Graz has been exclusively using all-electric vehicles for the delivery of parcels, letters, advertising mail and print media, ensuring that these are delivered with zero local CO2 emissions while reducing noise emissions in the city. The pilot project is intended to show how these successes can be further optimised.

The technology for this pilot project comes from the development of the Mercedes-Benz Vans technology and resource conservation. The technology platform, developed in conjunction with Mann+Hummel, is equipped with two fine particle filters that filter particle emissions generated by tyre, brake and asphalt abrasion, as well as other fine particle emissions from the outside environment in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. working in combination with the suction fan already in the vehicle, particles down to a size of ten micrometres (PM10) can be collected. The effectiveness of the filtration increases further with higher levels of particulate matter in the environment. This means that in urban areas with poorer air quality, far greater quantities of particulate matter can be filtered out.

In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a fine particle sensor that measures the fine particle concentration in the air and can control the filtration performance accordingly. This means that the vehicle can also be used as a mobile measuring station. The filter elements can be easily removed and replaced during the annual service.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

A pre-production version of the new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, due later in 2023, completed a special test drive late last year. With only one battery charge and without recharging, the long distance route took the eSprinter from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart to Munich Airport and back again, a total distance of 475 kilometres. The electric van returned an impressive power consumption figure of just 21.9 kWh per 100 kilometres for the drive, despite the fact that the route chosen was extremely demanding in terms of fuel consumption due to the high proportion of motorways and the climb up the Swabian Jura. If those figures can be replicated in full production models, it points to the new Sprinter being a class leader in the rapidly expanding large electric van class.

The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter will be launched with three different battery sizes. A pre-production variant with the largest of the three variants was selected for the test trial. with a view to a practical vehicle configuration for CEP use (Courier, Express, Parcel service), an extra-long eSprinter with a high roof was selected for the demonstration run.

The new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is set to be launched with numerous configuration options and a high load capacity combined with a long range, making it, Mercedes-Benz hopes, one of the most flexible large electric vans in the world.

In order to replicate real driving conditions for an express delivery between Stuttgart and Munich, the journey was not completed on a closed-off test track, rather on a route incorporating inner-city traffic as well as national roads and motorways. The topography was not optimised either, with the trip taking in the challenging climb up the Swabian Jura.

From the Mercedes-Benz Museum directly at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim, the eSprinter travelled on the B10 in the direction of Göppingen and on to Ulm. There the run changed to motorway driving, leading to Munich Airport via the A8 and A99. Afterwards, the drive continued on the motorway back towards Stuttgart, where at the wendlinger k reuz junction the journey led back to the MercedesBenz Museum via the B313 and the B10. with a total journey distance of