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Five million strong: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter reaches new milestone with electric twist

FedEx uses combustion engine and electric Sprinters for intercity and last-mile deliveries.

By Bruce Brown May 6, 2025 11:46 AM

Mercedes-Benz eSprinter five millionth Sprinter right front three quarter view in front of Charleston South Carolina assembly plant. — Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz Vans division delivered the five-millionth Sprinter van to FedEx in Charleston, South Carolina at the Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in that city. The milestone Sprinter was an eSprinter fully-electric model.

How FedEx uses Sprinters

Prior to a South Carolina Mercedes representative turning over the eSprinter to Fed EX. — Mercedes-Benz

FedEx is one of the largest customers of Mercedes-Benz vans, deploying Sprinters and eSprinters in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. FedEx uses the combustion and electric Sprinters mainly for intercity and last-mile deliveries.

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“As our network has evolved and grown over the years, vans from Mercedes-Benz, including the Sprinter and, now, the eSprinter, have been there to meet our needs and help us deliver the reliable and superior service that our customers expect,” said Pat Donlon, FedEx Vice President, Global Vehicles.

It’s also significant that Mercedes delivered the five-millionth Sprinter to FedEx at the Charleston assembly plant because FedEx was the first large fleet buyer of the Sprinter in North America. Because of the expanding demand for the vehicle, Mercedes expanded the South Carolina facility in 2018.

TCO, that’s why the Sprinter is so popular

South Carolina Mercedes representative turns over the eSprinter to Fed EX. — Mercedes-Benz

In the three decades since the Sprinter’s debut, the vehicle’s mission has remained the same: low total cost of ownership (TCO), versatility, and reliability. Mercedes-Benz previously manufactured a more conventional commercial van, the TN series. The Sprinter upleveled the platform with a more aerodynamic design and a higher level of engineering than typical commercial vehicles. Th

In 2006, Mercedes-Benz launched the second-generation Sprinter, with more body styles, cargo capacity, and larger passenger cabins. The Sprinter grew increasingly popular with tradespeople, delivery services, and RV conversions.
Five millionth Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, an all-electric eSprinter, is deliverered to Fed EX left front three-quarter view

Greater variety in power trains and digital technologies hallmarked the third-gen Sprinters, adding connectivity and digital services options and an order book that allowed more than 1,000 combinations of bodies, Chassis, drivetrains, capacity, and options. The eSprinter is a significant addition to the van’s build list.

Since its 1995 introduction to five million vehicles later, the Sprinter is an ongoing success.

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce… Read Full Bio

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