Have solar panels, will travel! The dream of the petrol/diesel free Big Lap has moved one step closer with the unveiling of what is billed as the world’s first electric campervan.
The Nissan e-NV200 electric van, which may be the start of a grey nomad rig revolution, will be on show for the first time at a motorhome and caravan Show in England next week. It has been converted by UK company, Hillside Leisure, and will reach a top speed of 122 km/h and boast a range of 170 kilometres.
The campervan’s battery can be recharged to 80% capacity in 30 minutes.
The company’s director, Mark Cross, said the vehicle would go into full production next year.
World’s first electric campervan is cooking on gas
“We believe this conversion will be a first in the industry, indeed in the world, and the start of the electric revolution in our market,” he said. “We’ve used our in-house team of highly skilled craftsmen to create our unique conversion.”
The van, which will probably appeal more to solo grey nomad than couples, will boast a two-ring hob, 39-litre fridge, on board water tank, low voltage LED lighting and spinning passenger front seat.
Mr Cross says that, in the UK at least, there is a fast growing network of charge points. Technology also exists to help drivers find their next charging point.
The organisers of the NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show in Birmingham said the public was eager to see how the electric campervan conversion measured up to more conventional options.
“From a practical point of view, I would like to think campsites and touring parks will facilitate visitors with electric campervans in the future,” Andrew Whalley, NCC Events managing director, told the Birmingham Mail newspaper.
* Do you think electric motorhomes or caravans being towed by electric 4WDs vehicles will ever be the norm for Australian grey nomads? Comment below.
Cannot see it being much use on a trip up the centre of Australia. Maybe Ok around the coast where there are more regular towns but will take along time to get anywhere if you have to stop every 2 hours to recharge for 30 minutes to go another 150km as battery would only be charged to 80%.
Would be great in the shorter distances in Europe.
Service station owners in the top of SA, NT WA and the west of SA will be praying for overcast weather.
The anti generator brigade won’t like them.
Hi all,
Yes, as long as we, nomads, push the RV industry to build solar powered rigs. The motor industry will have to follow the wave. No need for us to travel hundreds of Ks . .. better surfing with the solar waves instead.
I think EV RVs are the future but a higher capacity battery pack and hence longer would be essential for Australia. Solar panels on the roof would be handy. I think a portable ICE generator might be handy to have when the batteries die while trying to reach the next town. Interesting they had a gas stove I would have thought an induction top would have been more in keeping with the theme. Are the heating and A/C systems all fully integrated in with the vehicles systems?
range