Electric Camper Vans: The Future of Sustainable Travel

Electric camper vans combine the freedom of the open road with eco-conscious living, offering a perfect solution for the modern, environmentally aware traveller. As the world shifts towards sustainable travel, electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in reducing carbon footprints, especially for those who love to explore. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a full-time van lifer, the advancements in electric camper van technology make it easier than ever to travel with minimal environmental impact.

In this article you will;

• Learn about the advancements and benefits of electric camper vans.
• Be guided through the selection process based on lifestyle and travel needs.
• (Hopefully) be inspired to shift towards more sustainable travel by showcasing the possibilities of electric camper vans.

The Evolution of Electric Camper Vans

Electric camper vans are a testament to how far sustainable transportation has come. Once dominated by gas-powered engines, camper vans are now available as hybrids and fully electric models, driven by both environmental and technological advancements.

This is breaking news—only in the last year or two have large e-vans arrived on the market—with Mercedes, Fiat and Nissan leading the charge!

Key Drivers of the Shift

The move towards electric vehicles is fueled by a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the harmful impact of fossil fuels. At the same time, innovations in battery technology and charging infrastructure have made long-distance travel in electric camper vans a reality. With improved battery life and more charging stations, electric camper vans are no longer limited to short trips but can comfortably handle extended road adventures.

Top Electric Camper Van Models on the Market

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. As a modern homage to the classic VW camper van, the ID. Buzz comes equipped with a fully electric powertrain. Its spacious interior, panoramic sunroof, and advanced technology make it a versatile choice for road trips, offering both style and sustainability.

Nissan e-NV200

For those seeking affordability and compactness, the Nissan e-NV200 is a top contender. This electric van is ideal for both city and countryside travels, offering a range between 100 and 200 miles depending on the model. It’s perfect for shorter trips, with ample space for a comfortable camping experience.

Large Electric (Panel) Vans: eSprinter, eDucato, eRelay

We will very soon see the first set of large e-vans converted into campers. Larger-range vehicles have only been on the market for a couple of years but—for DIY converters—the price point is quite high (especially for the larger battery capacity models). As second-hand models become in the price range for more people we can expect an explosion in e-van camper vans!

Custom Conversions

Companies like Sussex Campervans and Love Campers specialize in custom electric camper van conversions. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke interior or additional features tailored to your lifestyle, these conversions offer flexibility. You can design a van that meets your unique travel and living requirements, from interior layouts to eco-friendly materials.

The Benefits of Going Electric

Environmental Impact

One of the most significant benefits of electric camper vans is the reduction in emissions. Unlike traditional campervans that run on petrol or diesel, electric models contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. 

Cost Savings

Owning an electric camper van can also save you money in the long run. With lower fuel costs, tax incentives for electric vehicles, and reduced maintenance due to fewer moving parts, the overall running cost of an electric camper van is significantly lower than its gas-powered counterparts.

Improved Charging Convenience

Charging infrastructure has expanded dramatically in recent years, with more charging stations available on highways and at popular travel destinations. Many electric camper van owners also benefit from the convenience of charging at home, reducing the need for frequent stops and making trip planning easier.

Do you need a leisure battery (separate electrical system) for an electric van converted into a camper van?

Yes, installing a separate leisure battery system in an electric van converted into a camper van is generally recommended. While the main battery of the electric vehicle (EV) powers the drivetrain, a leisure battery system serves to power the camper’s appliances, lighting, and other accessories.

Here’s why it’s a good idea:

1. Avoid Draining the Main EV Battery

• Using the EV’s main battery to power lights, refrigerators, or fans can reduce your vehicle’s range and leave you with insufficient charge for driving.
• A leisure battery system, typically a deep-cycle battery, can handle continuous power demands over long periods without depleting the driving battery.

2. Independence for Camping

• The leisure battery can be charged via solar panels, shore power (from a campsite), or through the EV’s alternator (if compatible). This allows you to run appliances and electronics without worrying about running out of charge for the vehicle itself.

3. Efficiency and Longevity

• Leisure batteries are designed for frequent charging and discharging cycles, which are typical for camper van usage, unlike the EV’s main battery, which is optimized for driving.

4. Energy Management Systems

• Many camper conversions use a split-charge relay or battery-to-battery charger to ensure efficient management between the leisure battery and the vehicle’s electrical system.

Considerations for Electric Vans:

• Weight: Leisure battery systems add extra weight, which can affect the vehicle’s range. Because of the great inconvenience with charging, this is more important for an even than it is for a petrol or diesel van.
• Regeneration: Electric vans may have different ways to integrate charging systems for leisure batteries (e.g., through regeneration or solar options).

Real-Life Experiences

The real-world experiences of electric camper van owners are proof of their reliability and performance. Travellers across the US and Europe have shared stories of successful long-distance trips, highlighting the ease of finding charging stations and the satisfaction of travelling with minimal environmental impact.

The camaraderie within the electric camper van community is also notable, as many enthusiasts come together to share travel tips and sustainable living ideas.

In the video below, electric campervan pioneer, Glyn Hudson shows his e-camper (he converted a Nissan e-NV200) shows off his van.

How to Choose Your Electric Camper Van

Size and Amenities

When selecting an electric camper van, consider the size and the amenities you need. For example, if you’re travelling with family or friends, you’ll need more space for beds and storage. For solo travellers, a smaller, more compact van may be sufficient. Common amenities include kitchen facilities, bathroom options, and sleeping arrangements.

Range & Van Choice

It’s important to choose a van with a range that suits your typical travel distances. Some vans are designed for shorter city trips (e.g. some first-gen electric delivery vans) while others can handle long road journeys.

Budget

While electric camper vans may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings can make them a worthwhile investment. Consider potential government incentives for electric vehicle purchases and weigh the cost savings from reduced fuel and maintenance expenses over time.

The Future of Electric Travel

The electric camper van market is poised for continued growth, with more models becoming available each year. Innovations in battery technology are expected to extend the range of electric vehicles and shorten charging times, making them even more convenient for long-distance travel. 

It has only been in the last couple of years that larger panel vans have been available with a range greater than 75 miles (approx 120km). They now come with up to 260 miles (although probably a bit less when you consider imperfect driving conditions and the payload of the conversion).

For larger vans, here are a few currently available models and respective ranges:

• Mercedes Sprinter 185 miles (81kw battery) or 206 miles (113kwh battery)
• Citreon eRelay: 75 miles (37kwh battery) to 150 miles (75kwh battery)
• Fiat eDucato: 260 miles (110kw battery)
• Renault Traffic E-Tech: 150 miles (depending on use case)

(List updated Oct 2024, this is changing every year!)

Conclusion

Electric camper vans offer an exciting, eco-friendly way to explore the world while minimizing your carbon footprint. With lower running costs, reduced environmental impact, and growing technological advancements, switching to an electric camper van can enhance your travel experiences while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Although there are not so many at the moment, we can expect this to change. The technology is now here for e-vans, of any size, to be converted!

If you convert an electric van, and want to feature it on the Nate Murphy YouTube Channel – then get in touch. I would love to feature more e-vans as they start to take over the world!

Join my FREE Bulletproof your Vanlife Course!

This free course aims to help you approach van life in a way that avoids the big pitfalls and common mistakes.

It includes how to live Zero-Cost vanlife, a guide to designing and building a van, and thoughts for how to make living vanlife as successful as possible.

Join Nate at his free online training (running now) and he will teach you exactly how he does this!

Sign-up Now (Free) >

The Van Conversion Guide (14th Edition)

The guide anyone can use to convert a van into a camper! This best-selling guide, now in its 14th Edition, has been used by thousands of people to transform a van into a camper.

• Used by 1000s to build their dream!
• 150+ page eBook
• Convert any kind of van
• Diagrams for all the main systems
• FREE mini-course – 28 video tutorials

BUY NOW >

By focusing on both the environmental and practical benefits, this guide offers readers valuable insights into the exciting world of electric camper vans and helps them make informed decisions for their sustainable travels.