Tesla open to collaborate with Daimler on commercial van

Unlike with cars and semis, Tesla hopes to partner with an established player to engage the commercial van market.

Tesla is preparing to reach out to Daimler to start collaboration talks for an all-electric commercial van.

Responding to a Twitter user who called on Tesla to build a "tough as nails electric trades van" to help reduce gasoline consumption, CEO Elon Musk expressed enthusiasm for the idea.

"Maybe interesting to work with Daimler/Mercedes on an electric Sprinter," he said. "That's a great van. We will inquire."

It is unusual for automakers to publicly reference collaborative projects that have not already been discussed between both parties in private. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche recently expressed broad interest in exploring potential cooperation, however.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has already developed several all-electric vans, starting with the Vito E-Cell (pictured) and now the eSprinter. The former was discontinued in 2013 after receiving little interest, while the latter is not scheduled to arrive on the market until next year.