Electric RVs: A New Era of Camping
The electrification of the RV world is undoubtedly the next major shift. Unlike their standard consumer or commercial counterparts, camper vans and recreational vehicles have very different demands in terms of power, range, and space. What is suitable for a short-range city delivery service may not be the best for a long-distance, off-grid camping vehicle, where dependability is key, and the reliability of a gas-powered generator often still beats a solar array.
The Lightship L1 is a travel trailer designed to be pulled by an EV
Traditional campers continue to be updated, but at this stage in the switch to electric camping, we are very much still in the realm of conversions. However, purpose-built electric vans are becoming increasingly common, often aimed at the world of work first.
A future camper platform? Renault’s Estafette Electric Van Concept
Electric Camper Conversion and Concepts
Here’s what to look out for in the world of zero-emission van living:
eVentje by Ventje
The ID Buzz-based eVentje by Ventje
The eVentje, one of several new VW ID Buzz conversions, is Dutch specialists Ventje’s take on the zero-emission camper market. With a pop-top roof, an electric cooker, plenty of power sockets, an onboard solar panel, and LED lighting throughout, the eVentje offers a thoroughly modern take on the camper van aesthetic VW introduced with the 50s-era Type 2 VW Transporter.
The eVentje comes with a pop-top and a slide-out kitchen
- eVentje by Ventje, from €95,000, Ventje.com, @Ventje_camperVan
Vanacea by Maxwell Vehicles
Vanacea by Maxwell Vehicles
LA-based Maxwell Vehicles offers a fully electric van with an interior fitted out by specialist builders Rossmonster. A major selling point is the full solar roof, claimed to provide up to 1,500 Watts of charging when parked in full sun which contributes to a ‘daily range bonus’ of 20 miles on especially fine days, or around 8.5 kWh of battery charge.
Vanacea by Maxwell Vehicles feature custom interiors by Rossmonster
- Vanacea, price on application, MaxwellVehicles.com, Rossmonster.com
THOR Vision Vehicle
THOR Vision Vehicle
The Vision Vehicle represents THOR Industries’ vision of the near future, offering a 300-mile range from a large battery pack and fuel cell combo, with a tech-filled interior to create a ‘home away from home.’
Inside the THOR Vision Vehicle
The company has also partnered with Harbinger to create a new Class A motorhome platform, an electric-powered RV concept that combines a 140 kWh battery with a gasoline-powered range extender for a total range of 500 miles.
- THOR Vision Concept, THORIndustries.com, HarbingerMotors.com
ElectricBrands XBUS Camper
XBUS Camper by ElectricBrands
The XBUS is a multipurpose platform launched by German company ElectricBrands. It’s available as a regular van, pick-up, catering truck, passenger vehicle, and camper, and the company is currently accepting orders.
Interior of the XBUS Camper by ElectricBrands
The camper variant is available in both standard and off-road configurations, with sleeping space for two formed from two add-on camper modules. The standard battery promises a 200km range, although extended capacity is also available.
- XBUS Camper, from €29,727.73, ElectricBrands.de
Tonke ID.Buzz
Tonke ID.Buzz
This is the Tonke ID.Buzz, the Dutch company’s companion to its EQV model. Many EV-minded campers are waiting for an official electric camper version of the acclaimed ID.Buzz, though it looks as though they will release a hybrid camper version of its Volkswagen California camper first.
- Tonke ID.Buzz, Tonke.eu, @Tonke_Vans
Alpincamper ID.Buzz
Interior of ID.Buzz Camper by Alpincamper
German van conversion specialist Alpincamper claims to have produced the very first conversion of the Buzz, with this sleekly designed two-berth model using the interior space well, with aesthetics that mirror the Buzz’s interior. The company states that the conversion does not reduce the maximum range of the Buzz, approximately 248 miles.
- Alpincamper ID.Buzz, more details at Alpincamper.de
Grounded RVs
The modular interior of the Grounded G1
Detroit-based start-up Grounded has switched from using the Ford E-Transit platform to the GM BrightDrop as the basis for its Zevo 600 or Zevo 400 electric RVs. Still aimed at the American market, the company emphasizes space and function, with a modular interior system that can be upgraded over the lifecycle of the van.
- Grounded G1, price tbc, GroundedRVs.com
Winnebago eRV2 concept
Winnebago eRV2 Concept
The eRV2 is Winnebago’s second electric camper concept, based on the Ford E-Transit. The company is actively researching range extension opportunities for a future commercial version. The eRV2 showcases sustainable and recycled materials, as well as a layout tailored to working on the road.
Interior of the Winnebago eRV2 Concept
According to the company, the interior is designed around ‘Japandi’ design principles, which is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian principles. It’s a far cry from the country kitchen style found in the company’s flagship $450,000-plus Journey. Watch this space for a production version.
- Winnebago eRV2, concept only, Winnebago.com
Tonke EQV Nomad, Adventure and Touring
Tonke EQV
Tonke’s EQV conversions come in three variants: Adventure, Nomad, and Touring. This minimal camper conversion of Mercedes’ EQV electric people carrier doesn’t compromise its passenger-carrying abilities. A folding double bed is created from the seats, along with a slide-out kitchen module. An optional pop-up roof creates standing space, as well as the ability to add two more berths, depending on the chosen specification.
Slide out kitchen module in the Tonke EQV Touring
Space-saving measures are present everywhere, including an optional drawer storage system that slides out of the rear tailgate. Maximum range for this converted Mercedes is around 224 miles. Tonke EQV, from €73,919 ex VAT, MyTonkeEQV.com
Porsche Taycan with Porsche Roof Tent
Porsche Taycan with Porsche Roof Tent
Porsche realized that even sports-car drivers enjoy camping; it launched a dedicated roof tent for its models. Mounted on the roof-rack and accessed via a ladder, the folding tent bears distinctive Porsche branding and folds down into a hard shell case. Inside is a polyfoam mattress, two side windows, and a roof light. For the ultimate zero-emission camping experience, add one of these to a Taycan, preferably the Taycan Cross Turismo.
- Porsche Roof Tent, available from Shop.Porsche.com
Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo
Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo
While others transform EV vans, Mercedes has shown an electric version of its Marco Polo camper. This is a micro camper, with room for four seats at a push, though it is best for two people. The Concept EQT has a removable interior — the Marco Polo Module — that transforms it from a camper into a van and vice versa. Whether the production version will include this level of flexibility remains to be seen.
Interior of the Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo
- Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo, concept only, Mercedes-Benz.co.uk
Škoda Roadiaq Concept
Škoda Roadiaq Concept
Škoda’s student project takes the earlier Enyaq iV 80 FestEVal roof tent camper idea one step further by adding an all-new roof structure and a multifunctional interior that has a kitchen and leisure accessories.
Interior of the Škoda Roadiaq Concept
The Škoda Roadiaq is a fully functional concept made by 29 students from Škoda’s Vocational School. Solar cells help supplement the power supply for equipment like the built-in 27in monitor – aimed at those who want to live and work on the road.
- Škoda Roadiaq, concept only, Skoda.co.uk
