Mercedes-Benz launches its first Service24h roadside assistance unit for its electric vans

Mercedes-Benz Vans UK has introduced its first electric Service24h roadside assistance van as part of a pilot project in London. The all-electric eSprinter van is kitted out in the same way as the diesel-engined vehicles that provide free, round-the-clock support to customers throughout the UK.

It operates from the Marshall Van Croydon Dealership in south London and is currently being utilised to serve the capital’s growing Mercedes-Benz electric eVan community.

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Simon Neill, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd customer operations director, said “We’re really pleased to have added the first electric roadside assistance vehicle to the fleet of around 180 Service24h vans operating nationwide.

“It’s important to demonstrate to customers for our eSprinter and eVito models that we can fully support them with an electric van.

“The vision, on completion of this pilot, is to introduce more eSprinters to the fleet nationally where appropriate. We’re also planning, later this year, to set our first eSprinter based mobile servicing unit on the road.”

The eSprinter is powered by a 114-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels, and most importantly produces zero tailpipe emissions. Crucially, its 55kW high-voltage battery pack is securely mounted beneath the body.

This means the battery doesn’t impinge on the space needed in the cargo area to provide the technician with a practical workspace and to carry a full complement of equipment and spare parts.

The Service24h eSprinter van can travel up to 95 miles (153km) on a single charge. This is ample for most urban delivery and last-mile applications. This would also be enough for the majority of roadside call-outs attended by Marshall Van and other members of the Mercedes-Benz Vans network.

Not only is this great for Mercedes’ electric van customers, but could also help to start a trend for other brands to follow as both electric cars and light commercial vehicle sales continue to rises rapidly.

Mark Effenberg, Marshall Van Croydon Dealer principal, said: “We are very proud to have been chosen by Mercedes-Benz Vans UK to take part in this exciting pilot project.

“As our sales colleagues will testify, demand for electric vans bearing the three-pointed star continues to go from strength to strength.

“It is entirely fitting, therefore, that wherever possible the vehicles we use to provide the award-winning aftersales back-up for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned, should also employ the latest, emissions-free technology.”