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Musk: Tesla Open to Partnering with Daimler on Electric Vans
Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk plans to ask Daimler AG about collaborating with the German carmaker on the upcoming electric version of the Mercedes Sprinter van.
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Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk plans to ask Daimler AG about collaborating with the German carmaker on the upcoming electric version of the Mercedes Sprinter van.
On a Twitter post yesterday, Musk called the Sprinter a “great van” and said a potential partnership could be “interesting.” Daimler declined to comment other than to thank Musk for his interest in the eSprinter.
Musk’s comments were in response to a Twitter follower who called Tesla out for using piston-powered vans as service vehicles. Declaring that such vehicles burn fuel “like crazy,” the commenter said Tesla needs a “tough as nails,” all-electric commercial van.
Mercedes debuted its electric eVito van this year. The larger eSprinter is due sometime next year. Daimler and Tesla are both developing electric heavy-duty trucks.
Daimler owned a minority interest in Tesla from 2009 to 2014. The companies also have worked together in the past, with Tesla supplying batteries and other components for the Smart ForTwo minicar and Mercedes A- and B-Class compact cars.
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