Mercedes Benz to build EV Sprinter

[FlyFishinRVr]

This could be the base for a VERY interesting all-electric RV.....

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mercedes-...231700652.html

[InterBlog]

It'd be difficult for us to drive 760 miles per day in that puppy...

[Countryboy59]

I’m getting some popcorn.

[LB_3]

There would be no need for complex DIU battery upgrades but I would be worried about finding charging stations in remote areas. If quick chargers are available, range wouldn't be of too much concern

[ScottP]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinRVr

This could be the base for a VERY interesting all-electric RV.....

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mercedes-...231700652.html

https://www.mercedes-benz.com/sprinter/en/teaser.html

[RandyNH]

Maybe, but even the Mercedes guy they quoted said they don't expect people to drive hundreds of miles in them and they're designed for city centers. So at the minimal weight of a work truck they expect short mileage range, forget the weight of a tricked out RV.

Currently the best option is a hybrid that supplements a gas engine, so cruising speeds can be fuel efficient with the electric torque assist so it pulls like a diesel.

[wachuko]

I saw the launch yesterday. Wanted to see what the front of the new Sprinter would look like.

LED headlights and profile looks great. It really needs the aero kit Airstream uses on the AI.





That interior dash panel and new center console will take some getting used to. I know folks complain about how dated the current ones are, but looking at the new dash.. can't say that it looks much better. Will be interesting to see how the next Airstream Interstate will look like once Airstream make their changes.

[Titus]

Appears that our CD storage compartment on the top center of the dash is now gone. Too bad, we used that a lot - though having the lid up makes it a bit challenging to see while driving.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by Titus

Appears that our CD storage compartment on the top center of the dash is now gone. Too bad, we used that a lot - though having the lid up makes it a bit challenging to see while driving.

Multiple configurations. See my post again, added a few more photos.

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by LB_3

There would be no need for complex DIU battery upgrades but I would be worried about finding charging stations in remote areas. If quick chargers are available, range wouldn't be of too much concern

Just as an example, what seems to be happening in eastern Canada is that places of lodging are taking the lead on installing some of these things, which means one needs to be a guest of the facility to use them.

Others are listed at a few gas stations; e.g., the closest one to our property is a Level 2, posted with a 3 to 8 hour charging time.

Even the Level 3 quick chargers are described as having a 20 to 30 minute charge time. It's difficult for me to see how that's practical for many business or recreational activities. Delivery vans in our area don't stand still for 20 to 30 SECONDS, let alone minutes.

Unconventional vehicles seem to work best at this point for specific fleets, such as in large municipalities. Short distances are involved, and they don't have to answer to a profit objective, so their employees are free to dilly-dally.

[wachuko]

A few cities in Europe have banned diesel cars/trucks to combat illegal levels of air pollution (I know Munich did)... other cities will most likely follow them shortly...

Mercedes needs to do this to maintain their ability to sell there...

[FlyFishinRVr]

Originally Posted by RandyNH

Maybe, but even the Mercedes guy they quoted said they don't expect people to drive hundreds of miles in them and they're designed for city centers.

Notice I said it would be a great BASE for a fully electric RV. With the electric motor(s) in place, batteries, management systems, etc., a clever group can get to work to make it appropriate for RV'ing. More batteries for REALLY high range (750-1000 miles would be easy), all electric appliances, fully Li (or other.... ) compatible charging systems (shore, solar, "other").

Really looking forward to seeing what some inspired folks come up with.....