Because of the high heating energy demand caused by the large driver’s cab and the constant opening and closing of the doors during delivery stops, conventional vehicle heating systems have a noticeable effect on the range of electric vans. The Sustaineer goes one better by putting the warmth exactly where it is needed – the driver’s body. In addition, there are other efficient thermal management measures that can further increase the range of a battery-electric van like the eSprinter – a major benefit for courier, express and parcel services (CEP sector).
In addition to the seat, the steering wheel and the seat belt, surfaces on the driver’s door, in the footwell and on the steering column trim can also be heated electrically in the further improved SUSTAINEER. The close-range surface heating elements consist of an electrically conductive silver-carbon coating printed on a fleece. By virtue of their high surface temperatures, thermal comfort is ensured by radiant heat close to the body, thus significantly improving the thermal efficiency of the heating system. There is another advantage in contrast to the usual heating of vehicle interiors in winter, where the interiors cool down relatively quickly during unloading processes: the surfaces stay warm.
Whether in our free time or at work, we are seated too often and for too long. Long periods spent sitting down can increasingly cause damage to health, ranging from back pain to psychological impairments such as fatigue and a reduction in cognitive abilities. Such consequences can be prevented by regularly changing the seating position. Movement Scientist therefore recommend frequent small changes in position to protect the body from prolonged, one-sided stress. With the mobilisation seat, Mercedes-Benz Vans has now transferred this principle to the driver’s seat in the van.
To this end, air chambers are integrated into the seat surface and backrest of the mobilisation seat in the further improved SUSTAINEER. These are specifically inflated and deflated to induce movement and rotation in the driver’s body. Different sequences that imitate asymmetrical or symmetrical walking and tilting of the pelvis activate different areas of the air chambers and thus form the basis for a varied mobilisation program.
The Driver Coaching App developed by Mercedes-Benz together with WITTE Digital records and evaluates all these factors to ensure comparability of driving behaviour and objectivity within a fleet. In everyday operations, this tailor-made solution for van fleets acts as an “intelligent co-driver” and aims to give drivers specific assistance in optimising their driving behaviour. The aim: a significant improvement in operating range as well as the conservation of resources. In addition to specific feedback on individual driving behaviour, the program includes training and gamification approaches that motivate more efficient driving. In addition, users have the option of personalising the app and adapting it to their needs with the help of various modules – for example for load and route planning, ERP integration and freight document handling. The product vision of this future app will be presented in the SUSTAINEER. The solution is currently under development and is not yet a marketable product. In the course of further development, changes may therefore be made to the product shown. The app must not be operated while driving.
In order to further minimise the entry of particles through tyre, brake and asphalt abrasion, the SUSTAINEER has already had two fine dust filters since 2021, which were developed in cooperation with the filtration specialist Mann+Hummel. The front module and underbody filters reduce fine particle emissions in the direct vicinity of the vehicle up to a particle size of ten micrometres (PM10) by over 50 percent – 30 percent when charging and 15 percent while driving. The effectiveness of the filtration is further increased when there is a higher fine dust density in the environment. This means that in urban areas with poorer air quality, far greater quantities of particulate matter can be filtered out.
Two innovations from the field of aerodynamics also contribute to the greater efficiency of the further improved SUSTAINEER. On the one hand, the technology platform now has almost complete underbody panelling, something more likely to be encountered in motorsport. It consists of recycled polypropylene as well as bio-based plastic from household waste and tyre remnants. In addition, automatic radiator shutters close automatically from a speed of 60 km/h and thereby reduces air resistance. This brings multiple advantages: drivers and vehicle operators benefit from more range and lower operating costs.
