Camper vans are fantastic. Yet, they are not particularly fuel-efficient. An electric camper vehicle remains a distant dream. Despite the fact that electric vehicles and vans have become increasingly common on modern roads, electrical RVs remains to be a relatively new concept. Still, the market gap is being filled by electric concept cars and custom conversions that are changing the face of the RV world. However, we still have found and listed some of the finest electric camper vans for sustainable and environment travelers in the United States or those simply would like to lower their carbon footprint while on the road.
Winnebago e-RV Camper Van
Winnebago is known for producing long-lasting campers that many travelers have relied on for years. They have now acknowledged the need of reducing our environmental footprint and have developed an all-electric idea that allows adventure enthusiasts to go far and wide while keeping sustainability in mind.
This Winnebago e-RV concept car is not only equipped with zero emissions, but it also boasts eco-friendly interior elements like reused cork-rubber flooring. The e-RV camper, based on the classic Ford Transit chassis, is a unique design that is sure to alter the RV business by working to lessen our impact on nature, one camping trip at a time.
With a variety of battery charging alternatives, including at home, campers, and charging points, you can rest easy knowing you have backup recharging alternatives if one is not accessible. The automobile fill time at high-current electric charging points is less than 60 minutes, which means you will not have to wait for a few hours to get charged back up.
PacWesty Tofino Camper Van
The PacWesty Tofino is a ready-for-adventure class B electric pop-top camper that provides size, functionality, and dependability. The Tofino, which is built on a Dodge Ram ProMaster chassis, includes two sleeping quarters due to the open top, plenty of storage, a movable sofa bed, and a kitchen section with a refrigerator and induction stove.
Because of the neutral color palette and windows, the inside is light and airy. The Tofino’s small size makes it easy to drive, park, and maneuver, and the pop top is simple to erect after you’ve arrived at your location. The unique privacy and sun shades make it easy to close up for the night and the cozy sofa allows you to rest in elegance.
Bespoke choices exist for everything from the external paint color to the cabinets, enabling you to express yourself in the camper. With two different solar packages offered, you can actually capture the sun’s energy and stay charged for days to charge electronics and use all of the eTofino’s functions.
The Tofino’s DC quick charging capacity means that a charge takes between 30 and 60 minutes, enabling you to get back to your day in no time.
THOR Vision Camper Van
The THOR Vision Camper Van idea offers a comfortable place to call home with crucial sustainability elements thanks to its futuristic, sleek style and comfy design. A recurring concern with electric vehicles is the possibility of running out of power and being unable to find a charging station. THOR has addressed this issue with an outstanding power management digital interface that lets you verify the mileage remaining before requiring a charge.
Furthermore, the tool locates charging stations from your phone, removing any growing complexity and risk of someone being left lacking power. This class B+ RV design is appealing to those who want to be off the grid for several days since it has a huge 1,500W of solar on the roof to assist keep the system working properly even when appliances like air conditioning are in operation.
The stylish interior of the THOR Vision Camper Van perfectly combines sustainability and elegance. Intelligent voice control, frosted glass effect seclusion windows, and improved safety systems are just a few of the features that make this an intriguing RV choice to consider, hopefully in the not-too-distant future!
Mercedes Benz Sprinter Camper Van
The Sprinter is an all-electric Sprinter that will be available in the United States soon and can be configured as anything from a flatbed truck to a people mover van. The idea of turning the Sprinter into a camper becomes a reality thanks to firms like Cascadevan, giving the Sprinter the ultimate sustainable adventure machine.
Cascadevan’s mission is to produce campers who not only look amazing but also feel fantastic on the inside. Their emphasis on creating a harmonious but also functional atmosphere is critical for custom conversions, implying that the team can design a space that properly fits you and your demands.
Cascadevan builds include a solar setup tailored to your unique energy needs, allowing you can live off the grid while staying charged. The eSprinter can charge up to 80% in 30-120 minutes using quick DC charging, which is ideal for a lunch break or respite during a long-mile chewing commute.
Mercedes-Benz is famed for its dependability, and the eSprinter comes with an amazing 8-year or 160,000 km battery guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your battery is protected. The Sprinter is a well-known and respected van model all over the world, and with the addition of an electrical alternative, it’s an excellent base van for a green camper van conversion.
Ford Electric Camper Van
The Ford E-Transit van, built in the United States, is the appropriate all-electric foundation for a camper conversion. The E-Transit has a range of more than 100 miles and is backed by the Ford Motor Company, providing the dependability one would expect from such a well-known brand. The E-cab Transit’s interior is elegant and utilitarian, with more legroom due to the revolutionary design of the rotary shifter in place of a traditional parking lever.
The E-Transit is an excellent electric foundation van for a firm like Vandoit to transform into a camper. Vandoit has the inventiveness to customize campers for your specific needs and has two designs available. Vandoit creates conversions with an amazing finish by employing quality materials such as high-grade aluminum as well as marine-grade components.
The DO package features an open structure with a track system that generates attachment points across the interior, making it ideal for carrying action gear like bikes, water gear, or perhaps an ATV. The LIV package can transport up to 8 passengers and features detachable modular seats with an emphasis on convenience and practicality. The hydraulic bed lift may be adjusted to fit your demands, allowing you to be confident in designing the ideal Vandoit configuration for your E-Transit.
Rivian Electric Camper Van
Rivian has already developed specialized electric delivery vehicles for the internet giant, Amazon, in addition to effectively constructing the world’s first electric adventure vehicle, capable of tackling water, varying grades, and terrain that other vehicles just cannot. Even though these vehicles are presently unavailable for reservation, Rivian’s electric fleet vehicles might make an excellent choice for a camper van conversion.
Rivian has already made an impression in the electric vehicle market, with an emphasis on effectiveness, sustainability, and 24/7 assistance. The possibility of creating the electric camper of your dreams can be realized by partnering with a conversion firm.
Regenerative braking is a standout feature of Rivian electric vehicles, allowing energy to be delivered to the battery throughout deceleration and hill descents for increased capacity. With essential characteristics such as optimal driver comfort, all-wheel drive delivery reliability, and two model sizes to pick from, you can adapt the Rivian electric van to your needs.
VW Electric Camper Van
Following much anticipation, Volkswagen has confirmed that the ID.Buzz, VW’s all-electric vehicle, will be offered as a people carrier, van, or campervan. The floor plan of the vehicle is sleek and contemporary, with touch and voice control features and LED mood lighting. Luxury has definitely been integrated into furniture decorating.
Because of its small size, the ID.Buzz may be driven confidently and parked in the most idyllic of settings. Because this electric vehicle prioritizes sustainability, many of the materials used on the seat coverings, flooring, including roof lining are composed of reclaimed ocean plastic and bottles.
VW has confirmed that the ID.Buzz is appropriate for camper conversions; however, because VW has not imported a van into the US since 2003, it is unclear whether the ID.Buzz camper will be imported.
A Peek on Winnebago’s New Electric Camper Van
We have shown different editions and brands of electric camper vans and vehicles but let us take a deeper look on something more specific, the Winnebago eRV2 as some RVers will probably love it!
Winnebago considers that electricity will play a role in the future of RVs. The latest version of Winnebago’s innovative Ford Transit-based camper is now available, and I had the opportunity to test drive it. The Winnebago eRV2 showed people what the era of RVing could be like, and a lot of them truly adore it. RV makers have joined automobile manufacturers in their efforts to electrify the future. Airstream has designed a travel trailer with EV equipment that helps its towing car. Thor has designed an electric Transit camper. Bowlus offers an all-electric camper, and we’ve seen lots of prototypes for trucks like the Rivian R1T and the Tesla Cybertruck. Winnebago unveiled its own proposal for an electric camper van before. Winnebago debuted the eRV, a concept vehicle developed by the company’s Advanced Technologies Group unit, during the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow.
That van originally began as a standard gas-powered Transit before being transformed to electric power by eLightning Motors. The original eRV featured an anticipated 125-mile range due to an 86-kWh battery pack, which was larger than Ford’s original E-68-kWh Transit’s pack. Winnebago launched a new version of the eRV this year. This camper van, dubbed the eRV2, is a development of the original. It’s not going to be distributed to the general public. Rather, these vehicles are part of a trial program that will enable Winnebago to use public feedback to determine the best van to sell to the general public. The corporation is attempting to strike the optimal combination of range, affordability, and features.
Winnebago’s Pilot Vehicle
The eRV2 is a significant improvement over the first vehicle. To begin, rather than using a third-party converter, this van is constructed from a Ford E-Transit. Regrettably, this reduces the range from 125 miles to 108 miles. That really does, nevertheless, imply that it has acquired Ford’s support. Winnebago representatives also inform me that the company is conscious that 108 miles aren’t much, but keep in mind that this is a prototype. The aspect of this pilot project entails determining the type of spectrum to start offering to the general public.
A 68-kWh 400V lithium-ion battery powers the Ford E-Transit. Remember, in this 148-inch wheelbase as well as high roof arrangement, this is only good for roughly 108 miles of range. A motor of 266 HP and 317 lb-ft torque propels the van. According to Winnebago representatives, the vehicle weighs roughly 9,000 pounds. This power system has a technique that can be really good: it has a backup battery. The IonBlade, a 15 kWh 48V battery from Lithionics Battery, is placed inside the van.
The IonBlade serves only one purpose: it is a massive home battery. From warming to cooking, the camper component of the vehicle is all electric. According to Winnebago, this pack is suitable for a maximum of seven days of off-grid life. The IonBlade is a tiny device that sits beneath the van’s floor. According to Winnebago, the van’s main battery can power up from 15% to 80% in around 35 minutes, which is comparable to stock. The representative did not specify how quickly the house battery fills.
These are some concerns about the seven-day claim, as well as some replies. Are they seven days utilizing only a smidgeon of power? Or may you genuinely be at ease? The engineer advised me that in order to make it to seven days, I would have to be relatively conservative. The seven-day period is predicated on you using the air conditioning unit for no more than two hours per day.
The estimate also considers that you’ll be operating a lower-powered ceiling fan or that all of the windows will be open. Winnebago’s engineer went on to say that it can last up to seven days if your campground is really not excessively hot or chilly, as both of these would probably result in you needing more power. The curving panels on the roof of the Winnebago eRV2 provide 900 watts of solar capacity. That seven-day estimate requires at least four hours of sunlight to replenish the battery each and every day.
The engineer assured me that the house battery has enough power to run the air conditioner continuously for 24 hours. He doesn’t mean the air conditioner turning on and off for 24 hours, but rather the air conditioner functioning for 24 hours. Part of the reason for this is the van’s 48-volt air conditioner, which Winnebago claims is 30% more effective than a standard one.
This is fantastic. You could sit in one location and not worry about power as long as you eliminate power-hungry equipment like that air conditioner. Even better, because its battery is independent, traveling to your campsite will not interfere with your boondocking time.
Winnebago’s Interior
The inside is equally impressive. According to Winnebago, it is influenced by modern Japandi, a blend of Japanese as well as Scandinavian style. That is, the inside is designed to be clean, relaxing, and equipped with multi-functional components. There is, in fact, a five-way lounge on board that might be utilized for sleeping. There are also hidden deployable work desks and a WiFi router for working remotely inside. The multi-functional concept has been extended to the wet bath as well. Generally, the cassette toilet and shower are combined.
The eRV2
We got a preview of the eRV2’s driving after exploring the inside and learning more about how it works. The journey in an electric Transit will be rather enjoyable. Some of you may notice the lack of an engine rumbling directly in front of you. The van simply starts up and waits for you to go. Driving it after that will be a mix of the familiar and the unfamiliar. Because it’s an EV, you get a ton of torque right away. Keep in mind that the 266 HP motor is carrying 9,000 pounds of the camper, so don’t anticipate a pull so strong that your cookware becomes projectiles
Instead, you’ll receive a quick kick followed by smooth, regulated acceleration. A standard E-Transit can reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. I was used to the sensation of an ICE Transit, so it was fantastic to experience it as an EV. Some people that have used it also liked the regenerative braking system. You don’t quite have one-pedal driving, but it reduced itself down enough even in some tests that people didn’t have to tap the brake pedal until the last few seconds before stopping.
The suspension seemed to be usual. I’ve always thought the Transit was bouncy, particularly when emptied. That’s not unexpected given the use of these vans. Underneath, the E-Transit is supported by MacPherson struts in the front and coil springs, as well as a semi-trailing arm chassis in the back. The batteries in this van assist to lighten the ride, and it handles minor bumps well. If you hit a large pothole, the eRV2 will notify you that you’re still operating a Transit. On potholes, it seemed somewhat comparable to driving an empty pickup truck. Fortunately, the cabinetry on the eRV2 locks shut, so no one will get slapped by a mug.
This drivetrain may have a great deal of promise. It was a lovely and calm drive. I could see myself driving thousands of miles in peace from that seat. There’s also the advantage of not having to take care of an engine. Operating this Transit was approximately as simple as pointing and clicking on a computer mouse. With no generator, you could calmly sit back and drown out the surroundings for a very peaceful and lovely journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are hybrid Camper Vans available?
Ecocampers has a hybrid camper that uses electric motors to operate the wheels when driving and regenerates the batteries when braking. This power recycling concept requires energy that would otherwise be wasted and consumes less gas, making it an excellent choice for a hybrid campervan. Ecocampers also has a tribrid camper that is powered by LPG in combination with gas and electricity.
Which electric vehicle can you sleep in?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a particularly pleasant electric car to sleep in, thanks to its king-size cabin and flexible front chairs that almost completely recline. Little footrests connected to the seats that spring up while the chair is lowered add to the comfort.
You may sleep in other electric vehicles, such as Teslas, which keep cabin lighting, warmth, and airflow while ‘camp mode’ is engaged, though they are less capacious than the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Conclusion
Although there are more possibilities for electric camper vans, because the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is such a robust and dependable vehicle, the eSprinter would’ve been the electric van of choice to transform into a camper van. Having a base vehicle that you can rely on to last for several years is a critical consideration when transforming a van.
With numerous T1/TN and T2 early Sprinter cars remaining on the road today, I am confident that Mercedes Benz can maintain their heritage with the eSprinter.
