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Rogue Vans The Future of EV Adventure
In an era where electric vehicles have become a part of our daily lives—whether as a daily commuter or a work vehicle—it’s clear EVs are here to stay. Yet, one segment EVs have struggled to adapt to is van life. In 2024, Mercedes brought the eSprinter to North America, where it has already excelled as a business and delivery vehicle. Surprisingly, no one had created an e-Sprinter designed for light adventures that work into daily life. That was until Rogue Vans got their hands on a 2024 Mercedes eSprinter and built the ultimate city-based adventure van: the Grid Runner. With the completion of this van last year, we were curious— is an EV van with a 200-mile range even feasible? What about the charging network? And who is this van for? We got a first-hand look at the Grid Runner in this month’s Adventure profile to find out.
Who is Rogue Vans?
Rogue Van Company is a bespoke van builder and manufacturer based in San Diego, known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in adventure van design. From crafting massive $700k monster vans on 37-inch tires capable of rock-crawling trails in Johnson Valley to creating bespoke interiors reminiscent of mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs, there’s seemingly nothing they can’t do.
The owner of Rogue Vans, Santiago Fileta, has been building vans for years. As he put it, “I don’t just like building vans; I’m obsessed with them.” When the opportunity to build an eSprinter arose, it was a no-brainer for him, as the eSprinter is a groundbreaking platform in the U.S. market.
Redefining Local Journeys with the eSprinter
First, we can’t talk about the eSprinter without mentioning its aesthetics—they absolutely nailed it. The stunning gradient F1 Petronas Mercedes livery perfectly complements the Nomad wheels, while the array of Aluminess products on the rear ties the whole look together. This van strikes a balance between elegance and rugged beauty.
With a range of about 200 miles, the 2024 Mercedes eSprinter may not seem like the ideal choice for long-haul trips. However, most drivers don’t cover that distance daily, making it perfect for city-based adventures. While it’s not the ultimate choice for cross-continental trips like the Pan-American Highway, it’s a great option for local trips such as a drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree—provided there’s a charging stop at your destination. Thanks to the robust charging network in the U.S., owning an EV adventure van has never been more accessible.
American Highway, it’s a great option for local trips such as a drive from San Diego to Joshua Tree—provided there’s a charging stop at your destination. Thanks to the robust charging network in the U.S., owning an EV adventure van has never been more accessible.
Versatility for Everyday Life and Beyond
The design of the eSprinter Grid Runner is meant to augment daily life. Rogue Vans equipped it with a modular interior using a SmartFloor L-track system that can be entirely removed in under an hour. This allows the van to transition effortlessly from a daily work van to a weekend companion for local trails or beaches. It wasn’t designed to be the ultimate off-the-grid adventure van but rather a versatile van that fits into everyday routines while offering occasional adventures.
The Grid Runner is powered by a 48-volt system with 14 kWh battery capacity, more than sufficient to run essential amenities like a fridge, sink, and other accessories. Rogue Vans is currently in discussions with Mercedes USA about potentially incorporating auxiliary battery systems with the eSprinter’s main battery to extend its range. There is also an onboard sink, fridge, and outdoor shower.
On the exterior, the van is thoughtfully built. Although the eSprinter shares its silhouette with the ICE Sprinter, key differences in the grille, bumpers, and roof mean that Rogue Vans opted to keep it simple. The rear features an Aluminess PowerLift bike rack system and storage box designed to simplify city-based adventures. With a 155-pound load capacity, it can hold two e-bikes without the hassle of hoisting them over the storage box. The other door features the Aluminess door ladder and tire rack, making it easy to mount a spare tire and potentially a roof rack in the future.
Leading the Charge in EV Innovation
The Rogue Vans Grid Runner is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets practicality in the EV world. It may not be built for off-the-grid adventures, but that’s precisely the point—it’s designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily life while offering flexibility for weekend adventures. With its modular interior, clever power solutions, and city-focused design, the Grid Runner redefines what an adventure van can be in the electric era.
For those looking to embrace the future of mobility without compromising on versatility or convenience, the Grid Runner is proof that the road ahead is as exciting as ever. Rogue Vans continues to push innovation in the van space and we are glad we can be a part of that storied success.