The Oddest Test Drive of the Year Also Might Be the Most Brilliant: Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Electric Van
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van rolled up to my house and parked on the street. It had to; it didn’t fit in my driveway. At 170″ long and equipped with the high roof line, this all electric van is an oddity in a residential neighborhood. Unless it’s delivering goods or services, that is.
And that’s exactly its brilliance.
I spent a few days with this van, driving it around town, taking it to the charge station and learning not to scrape its wheels on all the curbs along the way. At just over $70,000, it’s pricey, but for the right owner, it’s a bargain. Here’s what charmed me about the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter van.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.
Let’s Start Here: Who is the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Electric Van For?
There are a lot of people who can use a van this size for work and for life. But not all can use the all-electric powertrain; that takes the right circumstances. Businesses that are on the road making deliveries and pickups all day will appreciate the electric power and the low cost of recharging the battery.
Mercedes-Benz says the eSprinter can recharge overnight at a 240V level 2 charger or in about 34 minutes at a DC fast charger.
Read: Ford Transit Connect is the Minivan You Didn’t Know Existed
The Large Interior Space is Ideal For Businesses With Lots of Cargo
A business that stores or warehouses a lot of its product in a delivery van will love the space and power. I think of a plumber, an HVAC tech or speciality contractors who need to have supplies on hand.
You can charge the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter for pennies a day, versus hundreds of dollars a week for diesel fuel plus a storage unit for all the inventory. Those two factors alone could add up to thousands of dollars a year in savings.
Read: Thinking of Van Life? Here is a Basic Overview to Inspire You!
Need to Be In the Work Van All Day? The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Is a Great Solution
A business that requires employees, or the owner, to work in the van, such as assembling things, holding inventory and or simply, working, will appreciate the low cost of heating or cooling the eSprinter. You can run lights, A/C or heat for a nominal cost, and an added bonus: no gas fumes.
A lot of work vans idle all day, which is expensive. Charging the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter at a home or business will cost a fraction of that.
Read: Minivans Just Got Really Interesting. You Should Check Your Ego and Take Look
A Business Can Blossom in Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Electric Van
Businesses that rely on a truck or van for actually doing business will love this: the eSprinter can be customized as a food truck. You can add water, tools and a grooming station for dog grooming. You can store, style and deliver flowers. Owners can do business in comfort and the power can run all day and still get home or back to base.
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is Customizable, So Make It Yours
This van is essentially four blank walls on wheels. With 488 cubic feet of space, owners can customize it however they like: Add storage, equipment, carpet, electronics and more. It’s ready and able.
Buyers can also install windows, additional doors, skylights, awnings, solar panels, exterior storage and more for a truly custom van.
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Can Be Adapted for Van Life
How funny is this: During my test drive I drove past, then parked next to, a diesel-powered Sprinter van the same size as this one: 170″ long with extended roof. The diesel version was outfitted for van life: fully converted for living and sleeping and with exterior space for bikes, boxes and more.
The diesel van can easily travel the country and refuel as needed. The eSprinter, however, is more limited in where it can go with 250 miles of range per charge. Owners will need drive with charge stations and budget accordingly; often, public charging can cost as much as gas.
Mercedes-Benz Tech Makes it Fun and Easy To Manage
This is one of the best things about the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter van: The multimedia and tech is top-drawer Mercedes-Benz. The touch screen has the same look and feel as systems in expensive sedans and SUVs, and it has voice assistance. Just say “Hey Mercedes” and ask for what you need. Your assistant is happy to oblige.
Wide-Opening Rear Doors Allow Flexible Access To The Rear
All that space is easily accessible via a sliding center door or wide-opening rear doors. Climb in and take a look around!
The Video Rear View Mirror is a MUST
This is the best feature of all: the video rear view mirror. Even if the rear window was visible, it would be impossible to see out of it because it’s so far from the driver’s seat. The video rear view mirror solves that: it shows a constant video feed of the view behind the van, and allows you to adjust that view as needed. It’s simply brilliant.
I found the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter van easy to command on city streets and along the highway. It’s top-heavy, but includes anti-rollover technology to keep it steady. It’s powerful enough to haul it’s hull and the 1,200 lb. box that Mercedes thoughtfully secured in the van during my test drive. It’s not easy to park because of its size, but I managed, even in my neighborhood of narrow streets and in shopping centers.
And, it’s inspiring. I dreamed all week of filling it with fresh flowers for delivery, turning it intro a dog grooming salon, building it into a salad truck, a coffee truck or, outfitting it s a luxury travel van and setting off into the sunset. Silently, and electrically.
Categorized:Car Culture
Read This Next
