The environment and the impact of climate change occupy the minds of politicians and citizens. European regulations for the reduction of CO2 emissions have completely changed the paradigm of the industry, especially that related to mobility and the automotive sector. A transition, that of the electric motor and batteries, that has landed in the world of camping with these 5 electric campers.
Finding solitary places, with few buildings and minimal human presence, is the challenge of every adventurer. Even more so after the pandemic. For this reason, the world of the camper is connected to a free lifestyle, far from the ties of monotony and linked to nature. A connection that also implies taking care of it by betting on zero-emission routes.
The launch of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz transported us to the past due to its classic design, inspired by the first T1 campers used by hippies. The carbon footprint was an almost non-existent concept at that time, but now it is the backbone of each of our actions and we can also reduce it during our camping trips. Deciding on an electric camper will mean many advantages in that sense, but also some headaches.
We will start with the positive aspects of opting for a camper and electric vehicle, given that the difficulties are evident and well known to those interested in zero-emission mobility. The advantages are identical to those of other vehicles with a zero DGT badge, and this includes the state aid available for their purchase, tax credits and the significant reduction, or even elimination, of taxes.
Furthermore, driving an electric van conveys the same calm and peace as a car. There are no strange vibrations, no sounds from the internal combustion engine, and their acceleration makes them the most effective motorhomes for overtaking. Although electric charging stations are gradually emerging, it is still necessary to be patient with the charging times, so we can take advantage of those moments to rest from our route.
The negative points are better known, starting with the autonomy, the limited network of public chargers and the price. Added to the usual challenges of an electric vehicle is the reduction in available mileage after charging in commercial vehicles that are camped, given that they carry more weight in the cabin. The average range is over 250 kilometers, insufficient for many adventures.
We have already talked about the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, a completely electric van with a power of 204 HP and a 77 kWh battery, which offers a range of up to 500 approved kilometers (WLTP). The confirmation of a new Volkswagen California, with the Multivan T7 as a platform, rules out the camperization of this electrified icon, but there is an alternative. In this article we talk about the QUQUQ module for the ID.Buzz and it is very practical for sporadic getaways, with extendable drawers that hide space for the refrigerator, a stove and an upper bed.
The California mentioned above, about which we will know more in a short time, will debut the plug-in hybrid propulsion of the Multivan. This evolution will give it the DGT zero badge, but also an interesting range of zero-emission circulation for our daily lives. In addition, it incorporates functional details never seen in the model, such as the double sliding door and a refrigerator located on the side of the furniture, so that we can access it from the outside.
The main rival of the ID.Buzz camper and the future Volkswagen California is, and always will be, the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo or its electric version: the Mercedes-Benz EQV. It already has a camper variant, so we expect the same option for its latest restyling with improvements in connectivity and another sliding door on the driver's side. The current model is available with a 90 kWh battery, which gives it 363 kilometers of autonomy, or the 60 kWh battery with 236 kilometers. Both share a 150 kW (204 HP) electric motor.
The world of caravans is kinder to electrification, since they do not require such large batteries as they are not responsible for propulsion. However, Dethleffs' invention with the E.Home Caravan is interesting. In addition to being charged by solar panels on the roof, its 80 kWh capacity battery can receive energy from a 7 kW three-phase point and this gives it enough power to move slightly autonomously. This allows it to be towed by less powerful cars, given that they have the help of its zero-emissions engine.
The world of prototypes also presents endless electrified novelties. The Skoda training school in Mladá Boleslav launches curious projects from time to time and its latest concept is a camperized Rodiaq. Winnebago also presented the eRV2 prototype, a large-volume camper very close to production and 100% electric with nearly 200 kilometers of autonomy. First Hydrogen is another start-up with pioneering projects, such as the fuel cell camper, created together with the Spanish company EDAG Group. Many proposals that, sooner or later, will come true.
