The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been a mainstay in its use as a delivery vehicle, mini-bus and in camper conversions, and the next generation of the vehicle will be electric-powered, Daimler has announced, saying not only in Europe but that the next “eSprinter” will offer innovative solutions to best fit the needs of customers in the US and Canada.
Instead of the boxy delivery van-style Sprinter we see daily, the next generation will be offered in various architectures, including a flatbed truck. All will be built on a new Electric Versatility Platform that will offer three battery options.
“Mercedes-Benz Vans is accelerating down the road to full electrification and will make all of its European model ranges available with a battery-electric drivetrain,” the company announced. “To create even greater added value for customers in the future, Mercedes-Benz Vans developed the new Electric Versatility Platform for the large van segment. This innovative e-drive platform will form the technical basis for the next-generation eSprinter.
“The core elements of the new platform include three modules that enable the greatest possible flexibility in the development and design of different body types. This allows the new eSprinter the opportunity to offer body configurations, previously only available with combustion engines.”
Mercedes noted that its Sprinter has a 30 percent share of the mid-size and large van segments in Europe.
“The next generation eSprinter is enabling us to make many more body variants available,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes vans. “This will ensure we meet the requirements of our customers across multiple sectors in the future, while offering the advantages of locally emission-free electric drive.”
Dates for the next-gen Sprinter’s arrival were not included in the Mercedes-Benz news release.
