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Quote: Originally posted by Goodintentions on 23/1/2021

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Has anyone on here got an electric Campervan? If so do you find there are sites with charging points, or do you have to use public ones?
Does the battery eat into the storage space?
Many thanks.

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Quote: Originally posted by billy on 25/1/2021

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If you want an electric camper then it appears your only option is the small Nissan. Otherwise look on Ford van website. Transit is available in plug in hybrid. This has petrol engine & up to a 35mile range on battery which might suit you. I notice Ford also now offer a ready built campervan & probably could be specified in plug in hybrid. How about that ?

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Quote: Originally posted by Ernie DB on 25/1/2021

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Quote: Originally posted by Goodintentions on 23/1/2021

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Has anyone on here got an electric Campervan? If so do you find there are sites with charging points, or do you have to use public ones?
Does the battery eat into the storage space?
Many thanks.

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I'll try to answer the questions you raise above.

I doubt it! Like all special interest forums this has regular contributors and whilst there have been long running threads on the Life in General forum about EVs with posts from owners, enthusiasts and petrolheads who wouldn't be seen dead in one, no one has every posted that they own an electric campervan.

No! This came up on the EV threads. At least one of the two camping clubs states in their terms & conditions that it in not allowed. Nobody reported that they had seen EV charging points on a campsite. No doubt it will come, as it would provide another revenue stream for the site.

No! Campervans and motorhomes are based on commercial vehicles where load space = money. Batteries are generally fitted underneath this may limit the amount of space available for underslung water and waste tanks.

You could try asking your first question on the more specialised motorhome forums. OutandAboutLive has the most serious contributors, very knowledgeable, well up on the tech., the nerds of motorhomes would be the polite way of describing them. MotorhomeFun the name says it all. However most members of both forums seem to be into long distance touring in Europe and beyond, so diesel engines. Be warned!

My thoughts on the NV200. It's getting recommended here because it seems to be the only electric campervan that is readily available. However what is actually happening is around three converters do the IC engined version and offer the EV option as their kit fits both.

The problem with the NV200 is its size. It's smaller than the T5 that you
own or owned. I'd have one (IC engine) for solo use but for a couple I'd find it too small.

The Vauxhall Vivaro e might be an option, especially if the high roof body is available. Plenty of the IC engined ones have been converted to campervans.

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Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 25/1/2021

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The Nissan is certainly not to my liking for a number of reasons, poor range, lack of toilet/shower and cramped space primarily, most reasons can be levelled at small van based camper of all types anyway, but the range is the real killer, but everyone to their own and all that, dull world if we all wanted the same.

With a £60k investment involved though, I'd be seriously concerned about it's potential to sell on when the time comes! How many other people are really going to want a camper with a hundred or so mile range? The limited range almost flies totally in the face of the concept of a camper IMHO, not exactly freedom to roam! If you can afford to virtually write off/are prepared to gamble £60k, then I wish you well.

IMHO with perhaps the Tesla models as the exception, currently electric vehicles are still stuck in the city with limited mileage and/or multiple recharge points available. We need an as yet undiscovered technology for vehicles to substitute for petrol/diesel engines, OR, we need to change our lifestyles back to the days of the horse as primary transport where journeys were relatively short or done with a relay of 'vehicles' (horses).

The mixing of old lifestyles and expectations with newer technologies is not looking promising at the moment IMHO!

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 26/1/2021

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VW has eVans in its pipeline, however, I doubt if they would be available any time soon!

I looked into getting an electric VW Crafter early last year when I was spec'ing my van and decided against it due to the high cost, uncertain lead time and the range on one charge.

https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/electric-vans.html

Even if an eVan is available now, I doubt if there is sufficient camp sites with on-site charging facilities to make it worth while.

DK

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