Instead of having to fill up your campervan with diesel or petrol, just simply plug it in at home, or into a campsite mains hook-up. Your carbon footprint will be reduced significantly and you will save on the rising cost of fossil fuels.
This may seem like a futuristic idea but the production of an ell electric campervan could be with us sooner rather than later. Peugeot and Citroen have both launched electric versions of their Partner and Berlingo range. These models are already a popular choice for small motorhomes but would they be as welcomed in an all-electric format?
These vehicles have a top speed of 68mph which is quite ample and have a range of up to 106miles on a full charge. They also come with all the usual extras: ABS, air conditioning and remote central locking.
Having less of a range and having to stop for recharging are of course on the list of negatives but would this have such an impact on your campervan holiday?
Using a fast-charge facility, the batteries on these vehicles can be charged with up to 80% power in only 35 minutes claim the manufacturers. So in only a relatively short amount of time, or the time it takes to stop, visit the toilet then grab a burger, your vehicle is ready for another 84 miles or so. Range really isn’t then much of a problem unless you like to travel the lengths and breadths of a country uninterrupted with a minimum number of stops.
These vans are also exempt from road tax and the congestion charge in London and other European countries. With regards to the price the base model Peugeot is just over 12K ex VAT with the electric version costing £21,300 ex VAT. However the Government’s ‘Plug-In’ grant would give you 20% off of the purchase price making it more affordable at just under 17K excluding VAT.
All-electric touring could well be the choice of the future for eco warriors and normal campervan lovers alike. Imagining a campsite without the noise and diesel fumes is a very welcoming thought.
It would take quite a leap of faith for a campervan conversion company to start producing electric campervans without knowing if there was a promising demand. Also, the number of charge points in cities and built up areas is quite adequate but in rural areas it may be tricky to find a charge point. Travelling abroad may also pose a problem.
I hope to see an all-electric campervan in the near future but it may take the efforts of a self-build enthusiast to prove they are functional and viable. If anyone reading this blog decides to take on the challenge we wish you all the best and of course don’t forget to keep us updated with your progress at www.buildacampervan.com
Written by Glenn Adama
