Mercedes-Benz Vans trials electric roadside assistance vehicle

Mercedes-Benz Vans has launched a 24-hour roadside assistance pilot in London, using the electric e-Sprinter.

It is kitted out in the same way as the diesel-engined vehicles that provide the same Service24h service and is being operated from the Marshall Van Croydon dealership in south London.

Marshall Van Croydon dealer principal, Mark Effenberg, 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.”

The average response time for the Mercedes-Benz Vans roadside assistance unit is 66 minutes, with 87% of vans fixed at the roadside and sent on their way.

The eSprinter’s 55kW battery is mounted beneath the body allowing the space needed in the cargo area to provide technicians with a practical workspace and to carry equipment and parts. The van has a range of 95 miles.

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