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Mercedes-Benz's electric eSprinter finishes winter testing

It'll go on sale, in Europe at least, in the second half of 2019.

Mercedes eSprinter
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Mercedes eSprinter

Sliding around all day in an electric van barely even sounds like work.

Mercedes-Benz

Back when Mercedes-Benz introduced the latest generation of its , it promised that an electric variant was on the way. Now, it's almost here, and we have a little more information about what lies under its body.

Mercedes-Benz announced on Friday that it has completed winter testing for the upcoming eSprinter electric cargo van. It underwent testing in Arjeplog, Sweden, where temperatures drop as low as 30 degrees below zero and the roads are often shrouded with ice and snow. Mercedes said it's one of the last hurdles standing between the eSprinter and its market launch in the second half of 2019.

In addition to ensuring its vehicle exhibited proper handling characteristics and remained comfortable in extreme temperatures, Mercedes also wanted to ensure its electric powertrain could handle serious climates. With its larger 55-kWh battery pack, Mercedes-Benz estimates that the eSprinter will achieve about 93 miles per charge, although it did note that the extreme weather in Sweden dropped that range to about 62 miles. That battery will permit a maximum payload of about 1,984 pounds.

If more payload is needed, there's a smaller battery available, as well. A 41-kWh battery drops the maximum range to about 72 miles, but it increases the maximum payload rating to 2,293 pounds. No matter the battery tucked under the body, the eSprinter can accept fast charging, which will bring the battery from empty to 80 percent of its max charge in about 30 minutes.

No matter the battery, the electric motor remains the same. It puts out about 114 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. We took a spin in the US-spec Sprinter last year, and we were impressed with its new tech loadout and, as always, its monster capabilities. Here's hoping the electric version carries that mantle going forward.

Mercedes eSprinter
Enlarge Image
Mercedes eSprinter

Hey, buddy, you don't have to stand around and watch it charge. Go have some tea, or whatever warm drink the Swedes prefer.

Mercedes-Benz
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

Article updated on March 24, 2019 at 5:00 AM PDT

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Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
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