Electric vanlife coming? 2024 Mercedes eSprinter impresses in 300 mile range, efficiency tests
The upcoming refresh of the Mercedes eSprinter electric van has been tested with impressive results on both range and efficiency. In fact, they’re almost too impressive to be believed.
The test was conducted by TÜV Süd, an independent testing agency, on a real-world route through the mountains in Southern Germany – from Stuttgart to Munich and back again. The drive happened in mid-October, before winter cold or inclement weather set in – rain and snow can both lower efficiency for all vehicles by increasing rolling resistance.
On the trip, the eSprinter traveled 475km (295 miles) with an additional 20km (12 miles) left in the battery at the end of the trip. This worked out to an efficiency of 21.9kWh per 100km, equivalent to 2.8 miles/kWh, or about 350Wh/mi.
This is extremely high efficiency for a high-roof van, keeping in mind that the most efficient EV passenger cars are rated at around 4 miles/kWh by the EPA and other electric trucks (like Rivian and the F-150) are rated at around 2 miles/kWh.
Doing the math suggests a capacity of 108kWh – less than the rumored 120kWh. So we suspect a “usable” capacity in the range of 110kWh, though it’s possible that the nominal capacity will be 115-120kWh and Mercedes will restrict some of it from use to protect longevity.
Regardless, if this test is to be believed, the new eSprinter will offer more than double the range of the previous eSprinter and much higher efficiency, to boot.
Mercedes already sells the eSprinter in Europe, but the 2024 model is getting a big refresh. The current version has two smaller battery options – 41kWh and 55kWh, good for 115km and 150km (71 and 93 miles) of range, respectively.
This makes the van useful for local last-mile or across-town delivery applications, which many of these vehicles are used for, but restricts it from longer or more difficult routes.
The 2024 model will get larger battery options covering a wider spread, rumored at 60/80/120kWh. The larger gap between the smallest and largest batteries will mean that purchasers can get a van more suited to their specific needs so that customers who only need to do local deliveries don’t need to waste money and weight on extra batteries. One of those needs could be overlanding – or “vanlife” – which is increasingly popular and would be much easier to do with the 2024 model’s larger battery options.
But we won’t find out exactly what specs and options will be until February when the van is officially unveiled by Mercedes. Production is scheduled to start in the second half of 2023, suggesting an availability of late 2023 or early 2024. In the US, these vans will be assembled in Charleston, South Carolina, crucially enabling it to qualify for the new EV tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Electrek’s Take
In fact, the increase in efficiency is so high that it’s hard to believe. The current eSprinter is rated at 1.6mi/kWh, and this test showed the 2024 model with an almost 50% increase in efficiency.
Frankly, we don’t know how this is possible, especially with a larger and, thus, presumably heavier battery.
It could be that Mercedes is holding back less battery capacity, giving more usable capacity to drivers, and that they also improved powertrain efficiency somehow. But with a roughly similar body, the van should have similar aerodynamic qualities, which is the main cause of energy loss while driving.
We don’t have any information on the driving style used, except that this was the normal route from Stuttgart to Munich in mixed conditions, including highways and mountain roads (with approximately 600m/2,000ft of ascent/descent).
So while this test was conducted by an independent agency, presumably using something similar to the WLTP protocol, it could be that they were actively attempting to drive efficiently and stretch the range of the vehicle. Presumably, the van was also unloaded, which would help with efficiency as well.
If we combine all of these dynamics – reducing battery holdback, improvements in powertrain efficiency, lack of payload, and most of all an efficient driving style – then it starts to become more believable, but that’s still a wild increase, nearly 50% from generation to generation.
So the old phrase applies: “Your mileage may vary.” This makes for another good lesson on EV efficiency – range is not set in stone; it depends heavily on many factors, not the least of which is driving style. If you find your EV’s range disappointing, one of the best places to look is your foot. Lay off it a little bit and you’ll go farther.
And while these test results are quite impressive and show that EV efficiency can, in fact, be higher in the real world than ratings suggest (depending on driving conditions), we’ll caution to wait until the van comes out before people get too excited about this. And Mercedes, in particular, might want to be careful about setting expectations high and potentially disappointing buyers, as other companies have received pushback when they’ve done the same.
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Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
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With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
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