Mercedes-Benz recently announced that they are sending nearly 5,000 electric vans to Amazon’s European delivery partners in what marks their biggest EV handoff to date. The fleet, which consists of three-quarters eSprinter vans and the rest eVito panel vans, will be hitting the streets in five countries in the coming months.
With over 2,500 vans allocated to Germany alone, Amazon projects that this new electric fleet will assist in delivering more than 200 million parcels annually across Europe. This significant order is a testament to the growing partnership between Mercedes-Benz Vans and Amazon, which initially began in 2020 with over 1,800 electric vans added to Amazon’s delivery network.
Sagree Sardien, head of sales & marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans, expressed excitement about deepening their collaboration with Amazon towards an all-electric future of transport. The eVito and eSprinter models have been specifically designed to meet the efficiency and range demands of commercial customers.
In addition to joining Amazon’s Climate Pledge in 2020, Mercedes-Benz has made strides in enhancing the driver experience with their electric vans. The eSprinter and eVito offer seamless cargo space with batteries integrated into the underbody. Both models come equipped with the MBUX multimedia system, supporting automatic charging stops and integration with Mercedes’ public charging network through navigation.
Moreover, safety and comfort have not been compromised with the new electric vans. Driver assistance features are now standard, and Amazon’s customized vans feature shelves and a sliding door between the cabin and cargo area for easy parcel access.
The eVito vans, produced at Mercedes’ plant in Vitoria, Spain, are ideal for last-mile urban deliveries. They offer battery options of 60 kWh or 90 kWh, peak motor outputs of 85 kW or 150 kW, and can travel up to 480 km on a single charge. On the other hand, the eSprinter, manufactured in Düsseldorf, provides a larger cargo space of up to 14 cubic meters and can handle a gross weight of up to 4.25 tonnes with a range of up to 484 km.
This significant order of electric vans signifies a major step towards sustainable transportation and underscores the commitment of both Mercedes-Benz and Amazon towards a greener future.