Electric Campers: The Future of RV Travel
The next revolution in the recreational vehicle (RV) world is undeniably electric. Unlike their commercial and consumer counterparts, camper vans and RVs have unique demands for power, range, and space. What works for a short-range city delivery vehicle isn’t ideal for long-range, off-grid camping where self-sufficiency is key.
EV-only travel trailers, like the striking Lightship L1, are showcasing rapidly changing aesthetics alongside the evolving tech. Traditional campers are being reimagined, but right now, we’re still seeing many conversions. Here’s a look at what’s available in the world of zero-emission van living.
Conversions and Concepts in the Electric Campervan Sector
eVentje by Ventje: This is a conversion based on the popular VW ID.Buzz. eVentje introduces a modern take on the classic camper aesthetic established by the VW Transporter. Features include an electric cooker, multiple sockets, solar panels, a pop-top roof, and LED lighting.
- Price: From €95,000
- Website: Ventje.com
Vanacea by Maxwell Vehicles: LA-based Maxwell Vehicles offers fully electric vans with custom interiors from Rossmonster. A major selling point is the full solar roof, which the company claims can provide up to 1,500 Watts of charging. This adds a ‘daily range bonus’ and frees up the interior space.
- Price: Upon application
- Websites: MaxwellVehicles.com, Rossmonster.com
Purpose-Built Electric RVs: A Glimpse into the Future
THOR Vision Vehicle: American RV manufacturer THOR envisions a future with a 300-mile range from a large battery pack and fuel cell, equipped with a tech-filled interior. They’ve also collaborated with Harbinger to create an electric Class A motorhome concept with a 140 kWh battery and a gasoline range extender.
ElectricBrands XBUS Camper: The XBUS is a versatile platform by German company ElectricBrands. Available in various configurations, including a camper version with sleeping space for two. The standard battery offers a 200km range.
- Price: From €29,727.73
- Website: ElectricBrands.de
Tonke ID.Buzz: This Dutch company offers conversions based on the VW ID.Buzz, many anticipating an official electric camper version of the ID.Buzz.
- Website: Tonke.eu
Alpincamper ID.Buzz: A German van conversion specialist Alpincamper offers a sleek two-berth model for the ID.Buzz, designed to maximize interior space.
- Website: Alpincamper.de
Grounded G1: Detroit-based startup Grounded is using the GM BrightDrop as the base for its electric RVs. They’re focused on space and function, with a modular interior.
- Website: GroundedRVs.com
Winnebago eRV2 Concept: Winnebago’s second electric camper concept features a layout geared toward work-on-the-road and sustainable materials.
- Website: Winnebago.com
Tonke EQV Nomad, Adventure, and Touring: Tonke’s conversions of the Mercedes EQV electric people carrier come in three versions, providing a minimal camper solution. They include a folding double bed, slide-out kitchen, and optional pop-up roof.
- Price: From €73,919 ex VAT
- Website: MyTonkeEQV.com
Porsche Roof Tent: For the luxury-minded, Porsche offers a dedicated roof tent for its models. It mounts on a roof rack and includes a ladder, a polyfoam mattress, and windows.
- Website: Shop.Porsche.com
Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo: The Concept EQT previews a potential electric version of the Mercedes Marco Polo camper. It’s a micro camper, best suited for two.
- Website: Mercedes-Benz.co.uk
Škoda Roadiaq Concept: This student project from Škoda features a new roof structure, a kitchen, and leisure accessories, powered in part by solar cells.
- Website: Skoda.co.uk
This is just a snapshot of the various innovations in the electric camper space. As technology progresses, expect to see even more options emerge, providing more ways to travel with zero emissions.
