Ford E-Transit Luton vs Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Luton
When it comes to home removals and days full of deliveries, luton vans are your best friend thanks to their optimal loading space and payload capabilities. Of course, powering such a vehicle can be pricey – especially with the cost of petrol and diesel having risen significantly in recent months; thankfully, companies are now making their luton vans available with electric transmissions.
One such of these is the Ford E-Transit Luton. A firm favourite in the world of diesel powered vans, we’ll be noting how this electric equivalent compares, looking at it alongside the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter so you can gauge an idea of how different electric luton vans may suit you.
Engines and Spec
When it comes to electric vehicles, the important information you need to know about their performance can be whittled down to three things: power, range and charging time. Looking first, then, at the E-Transit, the motor is powered by a 68kWh battery and capable of producing an impressive 430Nm of torque, which is a considerable amount for an electric vehicle.
As for the eSprinter, this operates on a slightly smaller battery with a power output of 55kWh (47kWh of which are usable) and has a torque of 295Nm. Though this is less than the E-Transit, it is still enough to keep up with traffic when driving around town, although this isn’t taking into consideration the weight of any cargo in the luton body of the van, which will impact its acceleration abilities.
When it comes to charging times, the eSprinter redeems itself by having a faster charging time, taking 8 hours to fully charge from empty when using a 7.4kW AC wall charger, whilst the E-Transit takes 11.5 hours. In regards to DC fast charging, however, there is little difference between the two, as the eSprinter takes 30 minutes to charge from 10-80%, while the E-Transit only takes a little longer with 34 minutes (although this is from 15-80%).
In terms of driving range, the E-Transit, unsurprisingly, comes out on top. Thanks to its slightly larger battery, the E-Transit chassis cabs have a WLTP combined range of 157 miles, whilst the eSprinter sits at 82.6 miles (this is the figure given for the standard panel van, so the range for the luton model may differ). This can, however, be extended up to 109 miles when the van is predominantly driven in urban areas with lots of stop-start traffic.
It is also worth noting that these figures do not consider the weight of the luton body, so the range may vary – even more so when load weight and driving habits are also taken into account.
Ford have carried out their own testing with these considerations in mind, as can be read in our E-Transit Luton Review.
Interior
Both these vans really come into their own when it comes to enhancing comfort, having some unique and intuitive features that really set them apart from other vans. In our opinion, the eSprinter offers some handy features as standard when it comes to providing comfort.
First, it uses TEMPMATIC air conditioning throughout, which dehumidifies, cools and removes pollen and dust from the outside air. Taking this one step further, you also have the ability to control this from your phone as a form of pre-entry climate control, meaning the cabin area can be the perfect temperature from the first moment you step into the van. Keeping on the subject of what you can control from your phone, the van also comes with remote locking, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of keys, which is especially handy if you have different employees driving the van.
A heated drivers seat is also included as standard to maximise comfort even further, along with two additional passenger seats and plentiful storage space. More information on the comfort of this van can be read in our eSprinter Luton review.
In terms of technological features within the cabin, however, we are a bit underwhelmed. Rather than a digital, touchscreen infotainment system, there is simply a DAB radio with Bluetooth interface, and the steering wheel features no control buttons. This is not what we’d expect from a company who are associated with making luxury vehicles.
Looking into the E-Transit, practicality is ensured and supported by modern, technical features. One of the most standout of these is the 12” touchscreen display positioned on the centre console, which is equipped with smartphone connectivity and SYNC 4. This includes in-built navigation that shows you the closest charging stations for easier journeys, as well as controls on the steering wheel to allow for hands-free calling and music playback.
Though there is only one passenger seat, both front seats are heated, as is the windscreen, improving comfort and practicality, since you will not have to wait so long in the colder months for your screen to clear before setting off on your journeys.
The Verdict
If you need your Luton van to carry relatively high payloads around town, wanting to be comfortable all the while due to waits in busy traffic, then the e-Sprinter Luton will serve you well. For those looking for an electric van that will help them navigate longer journeys, perhaps someone who offers home and office removals, then the E-Transit may be more up your street.
The e-Sprinter costs a bit more than the E-Transit, yet both are still expensive to buy outright either way, being upwards of £45,000. Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on one of these vans – simply get in touch with Van Sales UK.
Not only do we have both these brand new vans currently in stock, but we offer them on zero deposit, low rate finance, starting with £479 for the eSprinter and £499 for the E-Transit (plus VAT). To make the deal even sweeter, all our vans are delivered free of charge.
Enquire today to discuss the electric luton vans we currently have in stock and the finance options we can offer you.
