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What are electric batteries made of?

Just like your mobile phone, EV batteries use rechargeable lithium-ion technology. However, they are made up of hundreds of lithium-ion cells connected together to form a battery pack. Lithium-ion cells are lightweight but with high energy density, meaning you can store a high amount of energy in a compact space.

 

Electric van batteries also contain base metals such as aluminium, copper and iron, alongside various rare or hard-to-extract materials such as nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite.

 

The high-voltage battery in the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is equipped with LFP technology (lithium iron phosphate). In comparison to NMC (nickel manganese cobalt), this technology is characterised by a longer battery life and is better for the environment.

How do EV batteries work?

EV batteries use lithium-ion battery packs which store and release energy to power your electric van. When charging your electric van, a chemical reaction starts inside the battery. Electrons and lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. This reaction then converts electrical energy into chemical energy, storing it within the battery. This stored energy is then released to power the motor when the battery is discharged.

 

Your electric van is also equipped with electric brakes, which helps slow down the vehicle without friction on the tyres or brake pads. This system of regenerative braking also converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy, which charges the high-voltage battery and in turn extends the range. Regenerative braking therefore reduces the amount the battery discharges, helping to extend your electric van’s battery life. 

Mercedes-Benz eCitan electric van charging at a station, partially shown in x-ray view revealing interior parts.

How to know your electric van’s range.

Electric vehicle battery capacity is measured in kWh (kilowatt hours) and, as a general rule, the higher the capacity, the further the range. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel Van has a battery capacity of 60kWh with a WLTP range of 160 miles, while the eSprinter Chassis Cab has a battery capacity up to 113kWh and 274 miles of WLTP electric range.

 

However, the actual number of miles your electric van can achieve on a single charge will depend on a number of other factors, such as average speed, payload, type of terrain and use of climate control.

 

To help you, our electric vans offer a Digital Extra called Navigation with Electric Intelligence. It calculates your journey taking into account the current state of charge, traffic conditions and the prevailing weather. Necessary charging stops are then plotted directly into the route calculation – helping you understand your van’s available electric range in real time and reach your destination with ease.

 

More information on our electric van range

*Electrical WLTP range for the eVito 60 kWh fully charged battery in miles (km): 159 (256) – 160 (257). Combined energy consumption in kWh/100 km: 26.5. Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0. Electrical WLTP range for the eSprinter chassis 81KWh – 113kWh battery range in miles (km): 169 (272) – 274 (441). Electrical consumption in kWh/100 km: 28.0 – 32.8 Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare with other vans tested to the same technical procedures. Figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, factory-fitted options, accessories fitted (post registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Further information about the test used to establish range, power consumption and CO₂ figures can be found here. For real time data, click here.

 

**The use of the Digital Extras requires the permanent acceptance of the Terms of Use for Digital Extras and the Mercedes me ID Service Terms in their applicable versions, the permanent pairing of the vehicle with the Mercedes-Benz user account and - if applicable - the activation of the Digital Extras. Upon expiry of the term, the Digital Extras can be renewed for a fee in the Mercedes-Benz Store provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. In addition, for the use of some Digital Extras there may be further usage requirements or limitations specifically separate customer-owned contracts with third parties (e. g., streaming, charging, conclusion of a data contract covering comfort data volume), selected third-party products (e.g. smartphone, smartwatch) or they are only available for specific customer groups. Alternatively to comfort data volume, depending on the generation of your multimedia system, data volume must be available via Internet in the car or, where possible, your own data volume will need to be used via tethering. Information on personal data processed for the use of Digital Extras may be found in the Digital Extra privacy policy.

 

The connection of the communication module to the mobile network, including the emergency call system, depends on the respective network coverage and availability of the network providers.

How long do electric batteries last?

Like all rechargeable batteries, the one that’s in your electric van will degrade over hundreds of charges and thousands of driving miles. While this won’t affect driving performance in terms of power, it may lead to a reduction in range – although you may barely notice it.

 

So how long do electric batteries last? All new Mercedes-Benz electric vans come with an 8-year or 100,000 miles battery capacity warranty. Over the period of the warranty, they are expected to maintain at least a 70% capacity.

 

Find out more about your electric van battery warranty

Three factors that can affect your EV battery life (and tips to extend it).

Below are some general tips to help you look after your electric van battery. However, please always refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on how to care for and charge the electric battery in your van.

This is probably the most important topic when it comes to maintaining battery performance and lifespan. Overcharging the battery, letting it drain to empty or using fast chargers too often can have an effect in the long run. So, for a longer lasting electric van battery, follow the tips below:

If conditions are excessively hot or cold, this can affect your electric van’s battery performance. While there’s no avoiding the weather, we suggest parking in the shade or finding a climate-controlled environment such as an indoor car park if you can.

This covers a whole host of driving situations and behaviours – and it’s not always possible to avoid some (or all) of them. For example, carrying heavier than normal loads can affect battery performance.

In general though, adopting an anticipatory driving style when you’re behind the wheel will help to extend battery life – that includes avoiding sudden breaking and accelerating, or high-speed driving.

Also, limiting the use of auxiliary electrical features, such as air-conditioning or heating, can help prolong battery life.

A line-up of Mercedes-Benz vans on the road, featuring an eVito, an eSprinter and an eSprinter Chassis Cab.

1. Charging cycles.

This is probably the most important topic when it comes to maintaining battery performance and lifespan. Overcharging the battery, letting it drain to empty or using fast chargers too often can have an effect in the long run. So, for a longer lasting electric van battery, follow the tips below:

A person plugging a charging cable into the front of a Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric van.

Electric vehicle battery maintenance and repair.

We’ve already discussed the importance of good charging and driving habits to maximise your electric van’s battery life. We also recommend regular servicing to keep everything running smoothly.

 

Every new Mercedes-Benz electric van comes with an Integrated Service Package – that means your first four services are on us*.

 

When it comes to servicing and EV battery repairs, Mercedes-Benz Authorised Repairers are electric experts. If your battery needs additional maintenance when covered under warranty, our expert technicians may restore performance by repairing or replacing components such as connectors, cells, or fuses, subject to diagnosis and manufacturer discretion. This helps ensure reliability and can extend your battery’s lifespan.

 

You can read more about our servicing options below.

 

Find out more about electric van servicing


*Within the first four years of ownership or up to a maximum of 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

A Mercedes-Benz eSprinter van being serviced by a technician.

Recycling, reusing and repurposing EV batteries.

All lithium-ion batteries can be reused in ingenious ways, and recycled at the end of their (long) life. At Mercedes-Benz, this final step is the one of the first things we think about when we design and manufacture our EV batteries, so that we can minimise both the mining of rare earth metals and our own carbon footprint. We call this ‘Design for Circularity’.

First, we see if the electric vehicle battery can be reused as replacement parts in-vehicle. If this isn’t possible, they can be repurposed to make up reliable, low-cost ‘second life’ energy storage systems. In the Mercedes-Benz Factory 56, for example, repurposed EV batteries help to store solar power.

When it comes to recycling, Mercedes-Benz uses today’s old batteries as a valuable resource for tomorrow’s new ones. A European first, our Kuppenheim battery recycling factory covers everything from shredding and drying up to the processing of materials, with a planned recovery rate of more than 96%.

 

Learn more about recycling EV batteries

An illustration featuring the Rs of sustainability: Rethink, Reduce, Repair and Recycle.

Look forward to a long-lasting relationship.

By now you should know everything about electric van batteries – from design to end of life. We hope it provides you with the clarity you need to move forward and purchase your new electric van with confidence. Take a look at our current range below.

Discover our range of efficient electric vans