In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the specifications and details on the eVito and eSprinter, two new vehicle types Mercedes-Benz Vans is rolling out to market over this and next year. These vehicles, which are battery-electric, offer a whole new host of advancements that will help make the company’s entire van fleet more economical and environmentally friendly.

At Warner Vans of Utah, we can help answer any questions you may have regarding these models or Mercedes’ push for better sustainability. We have a wide variety of custom sprinter vans available, plus a fleet shop with industry experts who can lend expertise and a helping hand whenever you need it. While Mercedes’ two new van models are a big step, they’re just one part of the efforts the company is making to make sustainability a priority without sacrificing customer needs or quality in any way. Here are some other themes that go into this effort.

Customer Co-Creation

Broadly speaking, Mercedes wants to not only introduce these new vehicles to the market, but also help lay a strong charging infrastructure foundation that will allow for the organic growth of this theme moving forward. One of their tools here is the Customer Co-Creation program, which involves a full appraisal as well as development of solutions to improving existing charging infrastructure and upgrading energy networks.

These efforts have already begun, with Mercedes-Benz increasing their stock of electric vans in several areas. Everything from parking space management to driving-style analysis is being considered, and load management is also being tweaked to make things more personalized on a van-by-van basis. Best of all, this entire program is scalable, meaning it will be effective whether you have a one-van operation or a huge fleet at your disposal.

Energy Management

Energy management is a vital consideration as Mercedes looks to become greener, and the company is going to great lengths to assess factors that affect this area. They’re looking at things like pre-conditioning – a service that warms or cools the interior of the van depending on the temperature outside, with the goal of both increasing passenger comfort and lowering the energy needed for in-drive climate control. Vehicles are also being programmed with several different driving options with different recuperation phases, allowing their drivers to optimize their settings depending on their style and range needs.

Future Fuel Cell Development

Mercedes-Benz is also developing a Concept Sprinter F-CELL, which uses both fuel cell and battery technology together to create a combined option that provides nearly 150 kW and 350 newton meters of torque. Range on this fuel cell can be extended all the way to 530 kilometers in some cases, though standard ranges will fall closer to 300 kilometers.

No Sacrificing Safety

All of the above is done with both customer comfort and sustainability in mind, but it’s important to note that one of these developments detract from the safety or reliability of sprinter vans in any way. Mercedes’ network of service and aftersales support is always on hand to ensure that operation and maintenance is taken care of and vehicle quality is not sacrificed in any way.

To learn more about this, or to browse our selection of custom luxury sprinter vans, speak to the pros at Warner Vans of Utah today.