The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter has attracted the curiosity of commerce giants in Europe corresponding to Amazon. However the electrical supply van is not going to be obtainable within the U.S., for now — placing the corporate behind rivals corresponding to upstart Rivian and Ford’s deliberate Transit EV.

Mercedes has determined to not supply the eSprinter within the U.S. as a result of security specs and different efficiency necessities can’t be sufficiently met.

“The elements for the electrical drive system don’t meet Daimler’s inside requirements for crash assessments that transcend authorized necessities,” a supply instructed Germany’s Automobilwoche, a sibling publication of Automotive Information.

The price of adapting the van for America could be so costly that Daimler is initially foregoing it.

Mercedes has been promoting the all-electric eSprinter supply van for about six months in Europe.

Curiosity from logistics suppliers is powerful. On the finish of August, Mercedes booked a significant order from Amazon for some 1,800 electrical vans.

The U.S. has totally different necessities for a big electrical van, notably vary and battery measurement.

Even with a much bigger battery, the eSprinter solely has a spread of 170 kilometers — or 106 miles — usually ample for a day journey in a European metropolis.

Nonetheless, driving distances in some U.S. city areas are for much longer.

“As communicated within the context of the market launch of the eSprinter 2019, we have now initially targeted on the European area when growing the car.

“Accordingly, the efficiency necessities of the car are tailor-made to the wants of shoppers in Europe,” a Mercedes spokesperson mentioned.

Daimler additionally emphasised that “differing security necessities weren’t decisive for the technique of initially specializing in Europe.”

In the long term, nevertheless, Mercedes can’t ignore the U.S.

“We’re always observing market developments and are in shut contact with our prospects with a view to adapt our product portfolio to the wants of different markets,” the spokesperson added.

Daimler is working to additional develop the eSprinter so it may be assembled and bought within the U.S. Daimler opened a plant to construct the Sprinter in Charleston, S.C., two years in the past.

Amazon has ordered 100,000 electrical vans from Rivian, that are to be delivered by 2030. Rivian arrange a manufacturing facility in Regular, Unwell., supported by funds from Amazon.