Mercedes-Benz will launch an all-new model of its Sprinter van later this yr, and also you would possibly consider it as the start of the tip.
The Sprinter has been a essential providing for the German automaker, particularly within the U.S. the place it has doubled its share of the van market over the last 5 years. But the acquainted, gas-powered model of the van comes at a time when Mercedes is making ready to make a serious transition.
By 2026, it should debut a line-up of recent, all-electric fashions — and start phasing out vans working on inner combustion engines, Mathias Geisen, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, mentioned throughout a media webinar outlining the corporate’s technique.
VAN.EA
“Starting (in) 2026, we will introduce our purpose-built EV architecture VAN.EA,” Geisen defined. “This enables us to consolidate our midsize and large vans down to only one architecture and significantly reduce the complexity of our product portfolio.”
Mercedes already produces an all-electric model of the Sprinter van, however the eSprinter is a compromise design based mostly on the traditional, gas-powered mannequin. Future all-electric fashions utilizing the VAN.EA platform will provide quite a few benefits for patrons, he promised in the course of the media webinar, together with higher vary. By transferring the battery pack and motors under the load ground, the all-electric vans will have the ability to ship elevated cargo area, as effectively.
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Improving EV economics
VAN.EA additionally will provide benefits for Mercedes, mentioned Geisen. Right now, the automaker’s van operations are “highly profitable,” he famous, yielding a 15% return on gross sales final yr. But present electrical fashions “are less profitable than (those using) combustion engines.”
The automaker expects to slender, and probably shut, that hole with the VAN.EA structure, since it is going to be in a position to share that platform with a broad array of future midsize to full-size vans.
“We intend to keep a strong financial position when it comes to electrification,” mentioned Geisen, noting the plan is to scale back fastened prices with VAN.EA by 20%.
An all-electric van will goal the U.S.
Among the merchandise based mostly on the VAN.EA structure now below growth, Mercedes plans to debut a van particularly designed for the U.S. market, the place its share is now a strong 16%, mentioned the CEO.
It’s codenamed VAN-EA-P, a press release from Mercedes noting this “stands for privately positioned vans in the midsize segment with a new level of luxury. Whether for lifestyle-oriented customers with the highest standards, as a VIP shuttle, as a locally carbon-emissions free mobile office or for leisure-active families.”
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A model of the brand new platform, known as VAN.EA-C, can be developed for industrial patrons and can be supplied in midsize and huge codecs.
“With its modular and scalable design, the architecture is tailored for different configurations and upfitter solutions: From Courier, Express and Parcel delivery (Last-Mile Delivery) vehicles to ambulances or eGrocery vans, from municipal vans or box upfits to lifting platforms or recreational vehicles (RV), almost everything is conceivable,” the automaker defined.
Multiple manufacturing websites
At launch, VAN.EA merchandise will roll out of a brand new Mercedes van plant in Jawor, Poland.
It’s extensively anticipated that the personal van, together with different electrified Mercedes vans, additionally can be produced on the firm’s large plant exterior Charleston, South Carolina.
“Of course, we’re looking at that,” mentioned Geisen. Though he declined to verify if — or when — that may occur, he made it clear that’s the seemingly course.
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“We see a huge potential in the U.S. (van market) we can participate in,” he added. “The more vehicles we can get out of Charleston, the better that is.”
Phasing out inner combustion energy
As to how present and potential prospects would possibly settle for the shift to electrical propulsion, Geisen mentioned it relies upon upon which section one is specializing in. Electrified merchandise are in excessive demand with last-mile supply providers, he famous, although the reception is blended in different van segments.
While the primary VAN.EA merchandise will debut in 2026, Mercedes plans to proceed producing a few of its present fashions, such because the gas- and diesel-powered Sprinter, for a while going ahead. The government didn’t lay out a timeline for when merchandise utilizing inner combustion engines can be fully phased out.
But Mercedes clearly has large aspirations. “Our target of more than 50% BEV share by 2030 goes hand in hand with a significant reduction in carbon-emissions across the entire lifecycle of new vans,” Andreas Zygan, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Development, mentioned in a press release.
Source: www.thedetroitbureau.com