Mercedes-Benz have launched a natural gas-powered version of its popular Sprinter van. The van, which has a supercharged 1.8 litre petrol engine, generates 156hp and can run on petrol, LNG or CNG. Drivers can switch between natural gas and petrol power and the combination of a full petrol tank and a full gas tank will give the van an impressive 1200km range, according to Mercedes.

Mercedes claim that the Euro 4-compliant, gas-powered Sprinter will have operating costs up to 30% below those of diesel-powered Sprinters and the vehicle has been successfully trialled by Deutsche Post, DHL and UPS in Germany. Compressed natural gas is especially popular in Germany, as the fuel benefits from a reduced tax rate that will last until at least 2018, offering van operators guaranted savings over diesel during that period.

Although Mercedes have offered natural gas conversions of Sprinters before, this is the first purpose built gas/petrol Sprinter van. The van should be available for sale anytime now, although I’m not sure how the price will compare to diesel models.