Daimler already has an electric van, the eVito, which offers a range of approximately 94 miles.
NEW YORK / FRANKFURT – Elon Musk drove the idea of working with a trusted ally on electric vans after being guilty on Twitter to use fuel-burning vehicles for the maintenance of Tesla Inc. models.
The CEO of Tesla has sworn to consult with Daimler AG about working together on an electric Sprinter van. He tweeted on Monday in response to a follower who wrote that Tesla needed an electric service vehicle instead of delivery vans that are now being used, that "fuel burns like crazy".
Daimler already has an electric van, the eVito, which offers a range of approximately 94 miles and started selling in the second half of this year. An electric version of the larger Mercedes Sprinter is scheduled for 2019, the company said.
Tesla has had a history with Daimler. The companies worked together on electric versions of the Smart Fortwo and Mercedes A-class and B-class compact cars, and Tesla delivered powertrains for the B-class from 2014 to 2017. Daimler even bought a share in Tesla in May 2009.
The investment and alliance were crucial to help Musk keep the company afloat during the global recession. Tesla was in the early stages of producing Roadster sports cars and still years away from bringing the Model S sedan to market.
Daimler sold its business in October 2014 when Tesla & # 39; s Model S began to directly compete with the Mercedes S class. A Daimler spokeswoman said Monday that the company appreciates Musk's interest in the eSprinter and further refuses to comment.