It stands to reason that the next big revolution in the RV world is electrification. Yet unlike their commercial and consumer equivalents, camper vans and recreational vehicles have very different demands on power, range and space. What might suit a short-range city delivery service won’t necessarily suit a long-range, off-grid camping vehicle, where survivability is key, and the reliability of a gas-powered generator will always trump a solar array.
Volkswagen has finally launched its long-awaited ID.Buzz Stateside, while EV-only travel trailers like the striking Lightship L1 demonstrate that aesthetics are changing just as fast as the tech underneath. Traditional campers are still being subverted, but at this stage in the electrification of camping we’re still very much in the realm of conversions, as the following list confirms.
However, purpose-built electric vans are becoming far more commonplace, aimed first at the world of work. Renault’s amazing Estafette Electric Van Concept debuted at this year’s Paris Motor Show, while Canoo’s MPDV delivery vehicle also shows promise. Sharp recently showed off its Sharp LDK+, an EV the company described as an ‘extended living room’, and there are also rumours of a 'Rivian Adventure Van' coming in 2025, something that splices the ruggedness of Rivian’s off-roaders with the spacious interior of the Rivian Commercial Van.
Clearly, the future will offer way more options for keen converters. In the meantime, here’s our updated selection of what to look out for in the world of zero-emission van living.
eVentje by Ventje
The first of several new VW ID Buzz conversions, the eVentje is Dutch specialists Ventje's entry into the zero emission camper game. With an electric cooker, plenty of sockets, an onboard solar panel and a pop-top roof, as well as a plethora of power sockets and LED lighting throughout, the eVentje is a thoroughly modern take on the camper van aesthetic VW introduced to the world with the 50s-era Type 2 VW Transporter.
eVentje by Ventje, from €95,000, Ventje.com, @Ventje_camper
Vanacea by Maxwell Vehicles
LA-based specialists Maxwell Vehicles can supply a fully electric van with an interior fitted out by specialist builders Rossmonster. One big draw is the full solar roof that the company claims to provide up to 1,500 Watts of charging when you park in full sun. This adds up to a ‘daily range bonus’ of 20 miles on especially fine days, or around 8.5 kWh of battery charge. The floor mounted battery pack frees up more of the interior for Rossmonster’s custom cabinetry, galley and storage.
Vanacea, price on application, MaxwellVehicles.com, Rossmonster.com
THOR Vision Vehicle
The Vision Vehicle is American RV stalwart THOR’s 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’.
The company also recently collaborated with Harbinger to create a new Class A motorhome platform (the largest camper platform), an electric powered RV concept that combines a 140 kWh battery with a gasoline-powered range extender to give a range of 500 miles.
THOR Vision Concept, THORIndustries.com, HarbingerMotors.com
ElectricBrands XBUS Camper
The diminutive XBUS is a multipurpose platform designed by German company ElectricBrands. It’s available as a regular van, pick-up, catering truck, passenger vehicle and camper, and the company is currently taking orders.
The camper variant is available in both standard and off-road configurations, with sleeping space for two formed from two add-on camper modules, both of which feature extendable living space. The standard battery promises a 200km range, although extended capacity is also available.
XBUS Camper, from €29,727.73, ElectricBrands.de
Tonke ID.Buzz
This is the Tonke ID.Buzz, the Dutch company's companion to its EQV model. Many EV-minded campers are holding out for an official electric camper version of the acclaimed ID.Buzz, but it still looks like it'll release a hybrid camper version of its Volkswagen California camper first and foremost.
Tonke ID.Buzz, Tonke.eu, @Tonke_Vans
Alpincamper ID.Buzz
German van conversion specialist Alpincamper claimed to have made the very first conversion of the Buzz, with this sleekly designed two-berth model that makes the most of the interior space with an aesthetic that mirrors the Buzz’s chunky, soft-edged interior scheme. The company says the conversion doesn’t dent the Buzz’s maximum range of around 248 miles.
Alpincamper ID.Buzz, more details at Alpincamper.de
Grounded RVs
Detroit-based start-up Grounded has pivoted from using the Ford E-Transit platform to using the GM BrightDrop as the basis for its Zevo 600 or Zevo 400 electric RVS. Still aimed at the American market, the company places an emphasis on 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
As the name suggests, this is all-American brand Winnebago’s second electric camper concept, based on the Ford E-Transit (the company says it is ‘actively pursuing’ range extension opportunities to incorporate into a future commercial version). In addition to the electric powertrain, the eRV2 is a showcase for sustainable and recycled materials, as well as a layout tailored to working on the road.
The interior is calm and refined, according to ‘Japandi’ design principles, the weirdly popular term for a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian principles. It’s a far cry from the fussy country kitchen style (complete with artificial fireplace) that you’ll find 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’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, while an optional pop-up roof creates standing space, as well as the ability to add two more berths, depending on the chosen specification.
Space-saving measures are everywhere, including an optional drawer storage system that slides out of the rear tailgate. Maximum range for this converted Mercedes is said to be in line with the standard EQV, or around 224 miles.
Tonke EQV, from €73,919 ex VAT, MyTonkeEQV.com
Porsche Taycan with Porsche Roof Tent
Porsche’s realisation that even sports-car drivers like the occasional spot of car camping saw it launch a dedicated roof tent for its models. Mounted up on the roof-rack and accessed via a ladder, the folding tent bears distinctive Porsche branding and folds down into a hard shell case that also contains the integrated access ladder.
Inside there’s a polyfoam mattress, two side windows and a rooflight. For the ultimate – and fastest – zero emission way to camp, slot one of these on top of a Taycan, preferably the incredible Taycan Cross Turismo (which sadly has to be bought separately).
Porsche Roof Tent, available from Shop.Porsche.com
Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo
While others transform its new breed of EV vans into campers, so far Mercedes has only trailed the prospect of an electric version of its excellent Marco Polo camper. This model is a micro camper by most standards, with room for four at a push, but best thought of as a relatively luxurious space for two.
The Concept EQT previews the forthcoming machine, with a fully removable interior – the Marco Polo Module – that transforms it from camper into van when required. Whether the production version will include this level of flexibility remains to be seen.
Mercedes Concept EQT Marco Polo, concept only, Mercedes-Benz.co.uk
Škoda Roadiaq Concept
Škoda has already demonstrated its one-off Enyaq iV 80 FestEVal roof tent camper, but this student project takes that idea still further, adding an all-new roof structure and a finely crafted multifunctional interior that includes a kitchen and a full complement of leisure accessories.
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
