From the trade press
The trade magazine Frische Logistik reports in issue 3/2026 on the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter with Kerstner refrigerated body. The article explains why electric refrigerated vans are becoming more important in chilled urban logistics and the roles of ePTO, refrigeration technology and vehicle design.
For Kerstner, the article sends a strong signal: this is more than another vehicle model; it is a practical step towards electric chilled-goods logistics.
The last mile in food retail, catering supplies and urban chilled-goods logistics is under pressure: fewer local emissions, quieter operation, stricter requirements and reliable temperature control at the same time. This is precisely where the eSprinter becomes attractive as an electric refrigerated van.
Battery-electric propulsion alone is not decisive. A refrigerated van must drive, refrigerate, load, stand, open doors and protect goods while remaining predictable for drivers and fleet managers. Kerstner therefore treats the base vehicle, insulation, refrigeration and power supply as one system.
Why this refrigerated van needs a different approach
In the eSprinter, the high-voltage battery, refrigeration and daily application must work together. The Kerstner solution uses the vehicle’s ePTO to power refrigeration from the vehicle battery. A separate diesel unit is not the approach here; refrigeration is integrated into the electric vehicle concept.
In practice, refrigeration can keep running while the eSprinter charges at a wallbox. The system also protects driving readiness: ePTO switches off automatically after 12 hours or when 10 percent state of charge is reached. This leaves a reserve rather than an empty vehicle battery.
Optional: 230V stationary refrigeration for longer stops
Optional 230V stationary refrigeration can be specified for longer stops, pre-cooling or particular depot procedures. This is especially useful when the vehicle should remain refrigerated for longer without placing greater demand on its battery.
Who may benefit from the eSprinter refrigerated van?
The eSprinter with Kerstner refrigerated body mainly suits urban and regional chilled deliveries: food retail, catering, pharmacy logistics, store deliveries, municipal facilities and fleets with planned charging windows. Suitability always depends on the actual route profile: goods, stops, door openings, pre-cooling, payload, stationary periods and charging infrastructure must be assessed together.
Open the eSprinter vehicle page (German) View the refrigerated van overview
Original article from Frische Logistik
Embedded with permission: Frische Logistik 3/2026, article “Regulierung als Treiber”.
