Mercedes-Benz Vans invests in new EV platform

Mercedes-Benz Vans is investing 350 million euros (NZ$602m) to develop an electric vehicle platform for multiple body configurations across its range including the next generation eSprinter. 

The company says the Electric Versatility Platform will help make all of its model ranges available with a battery-electric drivetrain while improving costs. 

It allows for new eSprinter body configurations previously only available with combustion engines, the company says. 

Requirements for the eSprinter were developed in close collaboration with customers and includes three battery and multiple body configurations fit for nearly every business from panel van and people mover to chassis for box bodies. 

“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,” Mercedes-Benz Vans boss Marcus Breitschwerdt says. 

“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,” he says. 

The company says it is now accelerating its electrification strategy and fast-tracking development of its new Electric Versatility Platform for the large van segment.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is already an EV leader with more than 30% market share 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 transporter segments with the future eCitan.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has also refocused its strategy in line with the passenger car division on the following areas:

•       Clear positioning as a premium brand for commercial and private customersMercedes-Benz Vans is sharpening its profile as a premium provider of future-oriented transport solutions for commercial and private customers.

•       Leveraging growth potentialCentral to the new strategy is a disciplined focus on sales and high-margin markets and segments to advance profitable growth worldwide. In parallel with the expansion of its activities in Europe, the company will continue to grow its presence in China and North America.

•       Intensifying customer loyalty and growing recurrent revenuesMercedes-Benz Vans will further intensify its cooperation with customers to ensure products and services are perfectly tailored to their needs.

•       Leading position in electric drives and digital solutionsMercedes-Benz Vans’ objective is to set new standards in the van segment with customer- and future-oriented solutions. In addition to electromobility, the networking of vehicles and digital solutions are also consistently being further developed.

•       Reduced costs In order to improve profitability and increase competitiveness, fixed costs will be reduced. Profitability also plays a key role against the backdrop of the transformation to emission-free and connected mobility.