Mercedes electric van concept cleans the surrounding air
Mercedes is using the upcoming COP26 climate conference to highlight its electric vehicle efforts and show how sustainability can include much more than just switching to battery power.
Air quality is a key factor in quality of life in urban areas. Alongside CO2 emissions, road traffic also generates significant levels of particulate pollution, which comes from tire, brake and asphalt wear. The presented van concept Sustaineer is not only fully electric, but also improves the environment.
Fine filters in the front and underbody of the vehicle clean the air around the van regardless of its speed. The efficiency of the filtration system increases further when particulate pollution levels are higher. This means that in urban areas with lower air quality, far more fine particles can be filtered out. The van uses cast-iron disc brakes with a ceramic coating, which reduce the amount of dust in the air and limit brake wear.
“If you want to stay on the path to success in the long term, you must live by the principle of sustainability and embed it in your business strategies. This is exactly what we are doing at Mercedes-Benz Vans, because we want to create sustainable value — economically, environmentally and socially. Environmental responsibility is an important cornerstone of our strategy. We are 100% convinced of the environmental and economic advantages of our electric vans. That is why following the path of 'electricity only' is for us the only logical and consistent approach”
Sustaineer has solar panels on the roof to extend range and reduce the need for charging from the grid (which sometimes contributes to CO2 emissions). It can also power devices independently of whether the van is running, such as tools and laptops. Solar energy on electrified vehicles is not new, but Mercedes clearly hopes that such implementations will make electric vehicles as economical as possible.
The roof-mounted solar panel offers a number of benefits: drivers and vehicle owners get greater range and lower operating costs. For end customers in the courier, express and parcel (CEP) services sector, this means lower carbon dioxide emissions, as well as a better environment thanks to a significantly higher share of renewable energy in the vehicles' electricity supply.
Another environmentally friendly technology includes an energy-saving heating system that fits closely to the body (including the seat belt), and extensive use of recycled materials. The filler is made from household waste, the cab partition is made from natural straw, and the underbody consists of recycled polypropylene and used tires. Mercedes also reduces noise levels thanks to a silent electric drivetrain, low rolling resistance tires and a quiet automatic cargo door.
“For Mercedes-Benz Vans, responsible use of resources is both an aspiration and a driver. That is why from 2022 we will consistently introduce the concept of environmentally friendly repair across all van segments, in order to significantly extend the service life of our batteries. Sustaineer demonstrates the systematic implementation of our sustainable business strategy. It brings together a large number of innovations and solutions from Mercedes-Benz Vans and shows the contribution the commercial vehicle sector can make to achieving climate neutrality, creating favorable conditions for urban life and conserving resources”
Safety is also a concern. A camera monitors road conditions to share reports of potholes and other hazards with cities, and digital mirrors provide a clearer field of view than is usual with cargo vans. 'Biologically active' light supports the driver by filling the cabin with lighting similar to daylight while maintaining a natural rhythm.
There is no mention of series production plans for the Sustaineer. However, the company said that all of the van's technologies were developed with large-scale production in mind. This is evident in other vans, not to mention other Mercedes vehicles. The company already has other green technologies on the horizon, such as sustainable battery repair for cars in 2022. Sustaineer is ultimately a logical continuation of these plans.
“Our goal: innovations and technical solutions must always contribute to sustainability and offer added value for drivers and other road users. Only then will a new technology be good enough to be installed in a Mercedes-Benz van. Sustaineer combines innovative solutions for three important goals that are key to a sustainable, electric and digital future. First, they make life in our cities cleaner, quieter, safer and simpler. Second, they save resources and protect the environment, and third, they protect drivers and other road users”
