How Does The 2023 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Fare In Extreme Cold?

EVs have a notorious reputation of losing range and performance in less than optimal conditions, and knowing that the Sprinter owners put their vans through extreme conditions, Mercedes-Benz wants to beat all the issues that EVs face in harsh winters and make their upcoming eSprinter better than ever. For that very reason, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is being put through some serious cold weather conditions in Sweden's Arjeplog, near the Arctic Circle, to make sure it can survive even the toughest conditions you can throw at it, without skipping a beat!

Even though Mercedes-Benz haven't shared the exact results, they were satisfied with the performance of their eSprinter in temperatures as low as -30 Degrees Celsius after just over half the test period, which lasted several weeks.

In this period, the vehicle was put through multiple tests focusing on the effects of extreme cold on its handling, thermal management, heating systems, drive components, cabin comfort, softwares and interfaces. Not just that, but the vehicles were put in specifically built cold chambers, where the vehicles are cooled down before the test drives. Along with this, the charging behavior and charging management of the eSprinter are also examined and optimized precisely.

Though the exact battery capacities and power outputs aren't disclosed yet, Mercedes-Benz will launch the eSprinter towards the end of 2023 with 3 different battery options that will roughly double the range of the current eSprinter, depending on the configuration.

The Automaker will also launch the Van in multiple body variants, and will be produced in 3 different locations, with the production of the eSprinter starting in Charleston, South Carolina and then in Germany's Duesseldorf and Ludwigsfelde factories. Mercedes says that the guiding principle for the company is sustainability, and so the production of the vans will also be CO2 Neutral.

Mercedes-Benz has invested around 350 million Euros in developing the next gen eSprinter, which is based on a completely new platform, and almost 50 million Euros to adapt the 3 factories to produce the Vans. With this vehicle, Mercedes is also looking to open up new markets like the USA & Canada