Electric Campers: Driving Towards a Zero-Emission Adventure
The RV world is going electric, though electric campers face unique challenges compared to regular EVs. RVs need a lot of power, a long driving range, and space. Unlike city delivery vehicles, camping vehicles often need to operate off-grid, where the reliability of a gas-powered generator has long been crucial.
The Lightship L1 travel trailer is designed to be towed by EVs, showcasing rapid aesthetic and technological changes.
Traditionally, campers are being changed, but conversions are currently the focus of electric camping advancements. Purpose-built electric vans are becoming popular, mainly for work applications.
Renault’s Estafette Electric Van Concept from the Paris Motor Show is a glimpse into the future.
Renault’s Estafette Electric Van Concept and Canoo’s MPDV delivery vehicle show advancements in this area. The Sharp LDK+, which Sharp calls an ‘extended living room’, and rumors of a ‘Rivian Adventure Van’ coming in 2025 are exciting possibilities.
For now, here’s a look at some of the best zero-emission camper options.
Zero-Emission Camper Vans to Watch
eVentje by Ventje
The eVentje, a VW ID Buzz conversion by Ventje, is an innovative zero-emission camper.
This VW ID Buzz conversion by Dutch specialists Ventje features an electric cooker, plenty of sockets, solar panels, and a pop-top roof, with LED lighting and many power sockets. This van updates the camper aesthetic of the 50s-era VW Type 2.
The eVentje includes a pop-top and a slide-out kitchen.
- eVentje by Ventje: From €95,000, Ventje.com
Vanacea by Maxwell Vehicles
Maxwell Vehicles’ Vanacea offers a fully electric van with custom interior by Rossmonster.
LA-based Maxwell Vehicles provides a fully electric van with custom interiors from Rossmonster. A full solar roof provides up to 1,500 Watts of charging in the sun, adding about 20 miles of range daily. The floor-mounted battery frees up interior space.
The Vanacea features custom interiors created by Rossmonster.
- Vanacea: Price on application, MaxwellVehicles.com, Rossmonster.com
THOR Vision Vehicle
The THOR Vision Vehicle represents THOR Industries’ view of the near future.
The Vision Vehicle by American RV maker THOR offers a 300-mile range with a large battery pack and fuel cell combo, plus a tech-filled interior. The company also teamed up with Harbinger to develop a new electric Class A motorhome concept, combining a 140 kWh battery and a gasoline range extender for a 500-mile range.
The interior of the THOR Vision Vehicle is designed to be a home away from home.
The Thor Hybrid concept features a hybrid power system.
- THOR Vision Concept: THORIndustries.com, HarbingerMotors.com
ElectricBrands XBUS Camper
The XBUS Camper by ElectricBrands is designed for multiple purposes.
The XBUS, a multi-purpose platform by German company ElectricBrands, is available as a van, pickup, catering truck, passenger vehicle, and camper. The camper variant is offered in standard and off-road configs, with sleeping space for two. Its standard battery provides a 200km range.
The ElectricBrands XBUS Camper has a versatile interior.
- XBUS Camper: From €29,727.73, ElectricBrands.de
Tonke ID.Buzz
The Tonke ID.Buzz conversion showcases a sleek, modern aesthetic.
This is the Tonke ID.Buzz from the Dutch company, which also produces the EQV model. Many campers are eager for an official electric camper version of the ID.Buzz. It appears that a hybrid version of the Volkswagen California camper will be released first.
Alpincamper ID.Buzz
The interior of Alpincamper’s ID.Buzz conversion.
Alpincamper, a German van conversion specialist, created what they claim to be the first conversion of the Buzz, with a two-berth model that maximizes interior space. The conversion design complements the Buzz’s interior scheme. The conversion doesn’t affect the Buzz’s maximum range of around 248 miles.
- Alpincamper ID.Buzz: More details at Alpincamper.de
Grounded RVs
The Grounded G1 features a modular interior.
Detroit-based Grounded has switched from the Ford E-Transit to the GM BrightDrop platform for its Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 electric RVs. The company emphasizes space and functionality, with a modular interior system that can be upgraded.
- Grounded G1: Price to be confirmed, GroundedRVs.com
Winnebago eRV2 concept
The Winnebago eRV2 concept shows the brand’s electric future.
Winnebago’s second electric camper concept is based on the Ford E-Transit. The company is looking for range extensions to include in a future commercial version. The eRV2 features sustainable and recycled materials, with a layout suitable for working on the road.
The Winnebago eRV2 concept’s interior.
The interior follows ‘Japandi’ design principles, with a calm and refined style. It’s a major departure from the company’s $450,000-plus Journey.
- Winnebago eRV2: Concept only, Winnebago.com
Tonke EQV
The Tonke EQV conversion maintains passenger space.
Tonke’s EQV conversions come in Adventure, Nomad, and Touring versions. This minimal camper conversion of Mercedes’ EQV electric people carrier maintains its passenger capacity. A folding double bed, slide-out kitchen, and an optional pop-up roof for extra space are available.
The Tonke EQV Touring features a slide-out kitchen module.
- Tonke EQV: From €73,919 ex VAT, MyTonkeEQV.com
Porsche Taycan with Porsche Roof Tent
The Porsche Taycan with roof tent is a luxury camping option.
Porsche’s roof tent is designed for its models. The roof tent is mounted on the roof rack and is accessed via a ladder. The tent has a hard shell case that holds the ladder inside. Inside is a polyfoam mattress, two side windows, and a rooflight.
The new Porsche Canopy Tent offers car camping for luxury-loving adventurers.
The Porsche camping setup allows for quick and convenient escapes.
- Porsche Roof Tent: Available from Shop.Porsche.com
Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo
The Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo offers a glimpse into the future.
Mercedes offers only a preview of an electric Marco Polo camper. This model is a micro camper but provides space for two. The Concept EQT has a fully removable interior. The Marco Polo Module turns it from camper to van. Whether the production version will include this level of flexibility is yet to be seen.
The flexible interior of the Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo.
- Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo: Concept only, Mercedes-Benz.co.uk
Škoda Roadiaq Concept
The Škoda Roadiaq Concept showcases the brand’s innovative ideas.
Škoda created the Enyaq iV 80 FestEVal roof tent camper, and the Roadiaq takes it further. This student project adds a new roof structure and an interior with a kitchen and leisure accessories.
The Škoda Roadiaq Concept houses a multifunctional interior.
The Škoda Roadiaq is a fully functional concept by students from Škoda’s Vocational School. Solar cells help power the built-in 27-inch monitor for those wanting to work and live on the road.
- Škoda Roadiaq: Concept only, Skoda.co.uk
