Mercedes Reveals First Details of Next eSprinter, Smaller eCitan Also in Tow

Sometimes it may seem as if the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been around for an entire lifetime, but the well-known commercial panel van has just reached its third generation a short while ago. The nameplate has been around since 1995 as the successor of the iconic Mercedes TN (T1) series.

Its third iteration debuted just two years ago, and Mercedes also revealed the eSprinter version after previously paving the road towards electrification with the introduction of the smaller eVito (a major advance compared to its Vito E-Cell predecessor).

Interestingly enough, particularly since commercial models tend to feature way longer lifecycles than passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans is now sharing the first images and details of the next-generation eSprinter.

Even better, the company is touting the model’s future arrival (at an unspecified date, for now) on a newly developed, bespoke architecture dubbed the “Electric Versatility Platform.” There will be three core modules to the design, with the brand revealing it will be flexible enough to create new body configurations that were previously exclusive to ICE versions.

It’s also important to note that Mercedes’ next eSprinter will be globally available, including in the United States and Canada so expect it to rival the upcoming 2022 Ford E-Transit. The new architecture will be the result of an investment of €350 million (more than $423 million at the current exchange rates), with the eSprinter produced via a CO2-neutral industrial process.

The company, which has taken leadership of the European midsize and large van EV segments, has also decided that following the eVito and eSprinter it “will ultimately cover the battery-electric range in all commercial transporter segments with the future eCitan.”