2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van coming to the U.S.:
Mercedes-Benz might be known for luxury cars, but it also makes vans, and it's finally bringing an electric van to the United States.
Scheduled to start production this summer, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is an all-electric version of the Sprinter full-size cargo van that's already a favorite of delivery services like FedEx and Amazon, as well as camper van converters. While the automaker has been selling electric vans in Europe since 2010, the new eSprinter is the first one aimed at the U.S. market.
[...] Mercedes will offer multiple configurations of body style and pack size in other markets, but for now, the U.S.-spec eSprinter is offered exclusively as a high-roof, long-wheelbase cargo van with a 113-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The rear-wheel drive van is powered by a single electric motor with 134 horsepower or 201 hp outputs, both with 295 pound-feet of torque. Full range figures aren't available yet, but Mercedes estimates 248.5 miles on the more lenient European Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) testing cycle.
The battery cells use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry similar to what is used in some entry-level Tesla models. It's a somewhat cheaper alternative to other lithium-ion chemistries and, Mercedes notes, eliminates the use of cobalt and nickel, costly minerals that have generated concerns over pollution and human rights abuses related to their mining. A 115-kilowatt DC fast charger can take the pack from 10% to 80% in 42 minutes, according to Mercedes. A slower 9.6-kW AC charger is included as well.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by JoeMerchant on Friday February 10, @12:06PM
Throw on a 30hp diesel generator and this becomes a practical vehicle. Sure, run it as a plug in electric whenever you can, but 10 gallons of diesel could extend your range a few hundred miles, especially at Jimmy Carter speeds.
Україна досі не є частиною Росії Слава Україні🌻 https://news.stanford.edu/2023/02/17/will-russia-ukraine-war-end
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Friday February 10, @12:11PM (3 children)
Quick math: 115kW is 500A at 230V, more than two typical home service cables can supply.
Even 9.6kW is over 40A, something like your electric oven / range supply, more than a typical clothes dryer or water heater.
Україна досі не є частиною Росії Слава Україні🌻 https://news.stanford.edu/2023/02/17/will-russia-ukraine-war-end
(Score: 1) by stripes on Friday February 10, @04:52PM (2 children)
Yes, but 100+kW is common for DC Fast chargers.
Some of the older DC Fast chargers sometimes top out at less, but they are uncommon. About the only common DC Fast Chargers you see below 100kW are Harley Davdson's FASTHOG charge network. It is designed to charge their motorcycles so ~50kW is fast enough for them. I don't see them changing that anytime soon. My EV is one of the slowest charging TVs that can get any benefit from fast charging, and it is happy with 50kW (i.e. it barely uses over 50kW on a 100kW charger, unless it is very cold out and I'm also running the HVAC hard, then I might pull 55kW). However almost every other EV you can get would prefer 100kW over 50kW. Some would really like 250+kW, like the Handy EV5 will charge in ~15 minutes if you give it enough power.
You are right home charging is more like a single digit kW, but home charging also generally gets to run "all night" because you park up, plug in, and go into your home. The big DC chargers are "out in public" and you generally only use them when you actually want to go somewhere farther then a single full charge takes you, so you are waiting for the charger to "do it's thing". So for example if that sprinter has a 300 mile range you would use a 100+kW charger when you are driving 400 miles in a day. If you drive say 290 miles you plug it in overnight and by the next morning expect it to be ready to go 300 miles again.
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Friday February 10, @09:42PM (1 child)
Hopefully those DC fast charge stations are fed with 440 or 880v, 500A takes a LOT of metal in the wires.
Україна досі не є частиною Росії Слава Україні🌻 https://news.stanford.edu/2023/02/17/will-russia-ukraine-war-end
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday February 11, @02:22AM
> 500A takes a LOT of metal in the wires.
Aircooled cables - yes.
Water cooled cables -- surprisingly little copper.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Username on Friday February 10, @12:55PM (1 child)
Probably the best task for electric vehicles is short haul delivery. Like a furniture store or bakery. Get rid of those straight trucks that accelerate 0 to 60 in two minutes. Probably be easier to start when it is -40 out, since they're already plugged in and warm from being charged. If they make one that takes forklift batteries, be gold for most businesses.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday February 12, @05:06PM
UPS etc have already been using some electric vehicles:
https://about.ups.com/us/en/social-impact/environment/sustainable-services/electric-vehicles---about-ups.html [ups.com]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StreetScooter [wikipedia.org]