It’s early days for battery-electric commercial vehicles in South Africa but once a nationwide charging infrastructure is established, their future in several transport applications is certain. The van fleet sector has been an early adopter particularly in the last mile delivery arena which spells good news for the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, now available in South Africa with two body lengths, two battery sizes, advanced on-board technologies and high payload potential.
According to Marinus Venter, head of Product, Marketing and Customer Services for Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa, the new eSprinter combines cutting-edge technology with the iconic versatility of the Sprinter range.
“Designed to meet the demands of modern urban businesses, the eSprinter delivers exceptional efficiency, impressive range and ample load capacity, making it a game-changer for businesses looking to eliminate tailpipe emissions and transition to a lower carbon economy, says Venter.
Although no South African performance testing of the eSprinter has been undertaken as yet, European test results bode well for a successful migration to local applications, Venter adds, highlighting the extensive list of features and benefits the eSprinter has to offer.
Key features and technical innovations
Much about the eSprinter is generous, states Venter, alluding to the load compartment volume, battery capacity and range. “Available as a panel van in two body lengths, with two battery size options and a high payload, it is the ideal vehicle for a wide range of applications.”
“The new eSprinter is a versatile all-rounder built on a tri-modular concept. This design comprises three key modules: a uniformly designed front module housing all high-voltage components, a space-saving underbody battery module and a rear module containing the powerful electric motor. Thanks to this design, the eSprinter has ensured optimal storage of the high-voltage battery, allowing for greater space saving and a low centre of gravity, which has a positive influence on handling,” explains Venter.
The eSprinter battery has the potential to charge in less than 45 minutes at a fast-charging station to deliver a range potential from 475-530km.
The eSprinter battery has the potential to charge in less than 45 minutes at a fast-charging station to deliver a range potential from 475-530km.
Impressive range
The new van demonstrated its efficiency during a recent test drive in which a pre-production vehicle of the new eSprinter panel van with a battery size of 113 kWh completed a route length of 475 kilometres on a single battery charge, without recharging.
“According to simulations based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) City cycle, a range of up to 530 kilometres is possible for journeys in urban areas. With these ranges, the vehicle could also be ideal for longer journeys,” says Venter.
Electric powertrain
The electrically driven rear axle offers advantages in terms of vehicle lengths, maximum gross vehicle weight (up to 4.25 tonnes) as well as towing capacities (up to 2 tonnes) and load volume (up to 14 m³).
This new eSprinter is available in two lengths in South Africa. The standard wheelbase is available with a 100kW Permanent magnet Synchronous Motor (PSM), and an 81 kWh battery. Furthermore, the long wheelbase is available with either a 100kW or 150 kW PSM, and an 81 kWh battery or 113 kWh battery, respectively.
“The two different battery sizes give customers flexibility depending on their individual requirements in terms of range and payload,” adds Venter.
All battery modules contain a specially-developed crash-proof cover. The temperature of the batteries is controlled by an enhanced active thermal-management system with a heat pump as standard. This ensures, among other things, an optimised range and life cycle of the high-voltage batteries.
The battery cells are made of lithium iron phosphate and all batteries are free of cobalt and nickel thanks to a new and modified cell chemistry.
The tri-modular design of the eSprinter provides optimal storage of the high-voltage battery, allowing for more load space and effecting a low centre of gravity for improved handling.
The tri-modular design of the eSprinter provides optimal storage of the high-voltage battery, allowing for more load space and effecting a low centre of gravity for improved handling.
Advanced recuperation system
“Recuperation in the eSprinter, also known as regenerative braking, is a process that allows energy recovery during overrun and braking. This means that when the eSprinter slows down, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the battery,” Venter explains.
“This intuitive process promotes optimised and efficient driving. The intensity of the recuperation can be adjusted individually via shift paddles behind the steering wheel. A particularly efficient and comfortable driving style is made possible by the new DAUTO automatic recuperation system in the eSprinter.
“According to the maxim ‘drive with foresight and save energy’, information from the radar, camera and navigation data is networked and the strength of the recuperation is adapted to the situation automatically in real time,” says Venter.
In addition, the ECO Assist can support anticipatory driving. “Depending on the equipment, the system analyses if there is a vehicle ahead, what the speed limit is, or whether the vehicle is approaching an incline, and indicates in the instrument cluster when one should decelerate. Depending on the situation, it selects the appropriate recuperation strength. Moreover, three drive modes help you choose between maximum comfort or maximum range.”
The new eSprinter comes to South Africa to continue the legacy set by its diesel and petrol-powered sibling, albeit with zero tailpipe emissions.
The new eSprinter comes to South Africa to continue the legacy set by its diesel and petrol-powered sibling, albeit with zero tailpipe emissions.
Charging capabilities
The new eSprinter is capable of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. The on-board batteries can be charged with direct current at up to 115 kilowatts at a fast-charging station.
“This means that at the maximum charge rate of 115 kW, the eSprinter’s battery with a usable capacity of 81 kWh can be charged to 80% in around 32 minutes, and the battery with a usable capacity of 113 kWh needs approximately 42 minutes to charge to 80%,” states Venter.
Safety and assistance systems
The eSprinter is fitted with numerous safety assistance systems, many of which are included in the standard equipment. Some of the safety features always on board are: Active Brake Assist, Cross Wind Assist, Adaptive Brake Lights and Intelligent Speed Assist with cruise control. Optional equipment includes, among others, a reversing camera, which allows for convenient and fast parking, LED high performance headlamps and active lane assist.
“By launching the premium eSprinter in the South African market, we aim to transform the industry by reaffirming our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions that meet the diverse needs of our esteemed customers,” Venter concludes.
As FleetWatch sees it, there’s a palpable sense of urgency amongst leading truck and van OEMs to get their international customers on board the battery-electric fleet transformation ‘bus’. It’s well known that Southern African commercial vehicle fleet operators are both cautious and prudent, getting on with the job using the tools at hand before investing in locally-proven new technologies. That said, there’s no denying the solid credentials of Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa and the sterling track record of the market-leading Sprinter. With a platform of this nature from which to launch, the eSprinter could well become a household name in the near future.
