Mercedes-Bens Vans arm seeks electromobility solution for each segment
Mercedes-Benz Vans is investing Euro350 million (A$566 million) in an Electric Versatility Platform (EVP) to advance its electromobility and sustainable global growth strategy.
The acceleration towards full light commercial electrification would make all of its model ranges available with a battery-electric drivetrain, with a focus on “reliability, quality and optimised total cost of ownership (TCO)”.
The investment aims to deliver three battery and multiple body configurations – from panel van and people mover to chassis for box bodies – to make the next-generation eSprinter adaptable for any business need.
“The next generation eSprinter will enable us to make many more body variants available,” head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Marcus Breitschwerdt says.
“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.
“The Sprinter has been demonstrating our competence in the transport field for a quarter of a century.
“In the field of electromobility, we have initiated many innovations in recent years.
“With the implementation of our accelerated electrification strategy, we’re combining the best of both worlds – our innovation and expertise!”
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The EVP was developed for the large van segment, with the e-drive platform to be the technical basis for the next-generation eSprinter.
The core elements of the new platform are three modules that enable the greatest possible flexibility in the development and design of different body types, allowing for new eSprinter body configurations previously only available with combustion engines.
Mercedes-Benz notes it is convinced of the ecological and economic advantages of battery-electric vans and will continue to push plans to bring electrically powered vans to the market in all segments.
It notes it is already the EV market leader with a share of more than 30 per cent of the midsize and large van segments in Europe.
Following the eVito and eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans will ultimately cover the battery-electric range in all commercial transport segments with the future eCitan.