Mercedes-Benz is staging the globe premier of a Sprinter E-CELL battery-electric van at the 2012 International Motor Show (IAA) for commercial vehicles. The prototype of the Sprinter E-CELL at the IAA is a chassis version with driver’s cab and the middle wheelbase of 3665 mm. The premiere at the IAA will function as a test of customer reactions before a determination is made about possible series production.

Mercedes-Benz used the expertise gained through the small van Vito E-CELL (earlier post) for the creation of the large van Sprinter E-CELL. After beginning deliveries two years ago, approximately 500 Vito E-CELL vehicles are now already in use; the electric van is already available in more than fifteen European countries. The recent introduction of the Vito E-CELL crewbus, which has space to seat seven, increased the vehicle’s potential fields of operation.

The Sprinter E-CELL multiplies the possibilities for electric transport, because it is just as suited to use as a chassis cab as it is for use along with attachment bodies. This is of particular importance to spacious delivery vans for supplying inner cities, pedestrian precincts, or towns with restricted vehicle access, Mercedes-Benz notes. The Sprinter E-CELL is equally suited to use as a drop-side body with double cab for use in landscape gardening within green zones.

The technology of the Sprinter E-CELL is comparable to that of the Vito E-CELL. It had to be adapted to the specific characteristics of the weight class as well as to a completely different chassis with rear-wheel drive, however.

The permanent magnet synchronous motor in the Sprinter E-CELL can reach a constant output of 70 kW (short-term peak output of 100 kW); torque is 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) torque (short-term 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft). The Sprinter E-CELL is powered by two lithium-ion battery packs, each with 93 cells and a combined capacity of 35.2 kWh.

The charger in the Sprinter E-CELL supplies 22 kW with a current of 32 amps. When attached to a 400-volt power source, the batteries may be charged in just two hours. This considerably extends the possible areas of use of the Sprinter E-CELL, since it does not require time-consuming overnight charging. Battery charging socket is on the driver’s side, at the bottom of your B pillar instead of the usual tank filler neck.

The developers of your Sprinter E-CELL have made consumption of synergies within the company: for instance, in the Sprinter E-CELL the batteries from the smart electric drive are utilized.

The top speed of the Sprinter E-CELL has limitations to 80 km/h (50 mph) in favour of an extended range. This means it is not only suited to inner city areas but can also be used for inter-city journeys or short motorway stretches. Its preferred area of use, however, is inner cities and towns. The range was made with this in mind.

With an NEDC energy consumption of 27 kW/h, the range is approximately 135 km (84 miles). This can be sufficient for almost all uses, as customer tests with the Vito E-CELL have indicated. Daily journeys of up to around 100 km (62 miles), as are most typical in short-radius distribution, the trades and the service sector, can be completed risk-free by the Sprinter E-CELL.

Neither the luggage compartment of your closed Sprinter nor its good body-mounting ability are impaired, as being the batteries are located in containers between the axles and underneath the frame. Having a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of three.5 tonnes, the payload of the Sprinter E-CELL may be up to 1200 kg, according to the body. Ground angle and clearance of approach are not restricted.

The Sprinter E-CELL, just like any other Sprinter, will be fitted with the newest generation in the ESP Electronic Stability Program with all its functions. Furthermore there is a high level of protection of the high-voltage power system.

The design of the Sprinter E-CELL is suitable for many other variants: with the long wheelbase, like a double cab and with numerous bodies. There are also the closed versions, equally with a multitude of bodies. Other weight variants might also be regarded.