Electric campervans: all you need to know

What are electric campervans and how do they work?

Electric campervans, propelled by electric motors, rely on batteries for power. These batteries are charged through various means, including at-home charging stations, public charging points, and campsite hook-up bollards.

Although electric campervans are still quite niche, the market is expanding, with several options available or on the horizon.

As is always the case, the industry loves a good acronym and there are several to describe electric vehicles. The generic term is an EV or BEV (electric vehicle or battery electric vehicle), but there are also PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), and MHEVs (mild hybrid electric vehicle).

Charging an electric campervan

Charging your electric campervan can be done in various locations, each with its own considerations.

At home

Plugging your campervan into a regular three-pin socket at home is a convenient but slow option, taking up to 48 hours for a full charge. Installing a home fast charger (7kW or 22kW, depending on your electrical supply) is a better choice, albeit costing around £1,000.

Unfortunately, grants for home charger installations have been discontinued, and homeowners may face increased electricity costs of around £400 annually for fast charging. Despite these drawbacks, home charging remains the most cost-effective option.

On the road

Public charging systems are crucial for on-the-road charging. With 42,000 connectors across 15,500 locations in the UK, the network is expanding but may not meet the surging demand.

Petrol stations are expected to evolve into charging hubs, but the disparity in plug types and charging needs among vehicles poses challenges. Consider the power consumption during charging; a 50kW fast charger uses as much energy as an entire house in five days.

On campsites

Campsite charging has its complexities. While some campsites allow recharging via hook-up bollards, the speed is restricted by the available power. Most bollards offer 16A, supplying approximately 3,840W, but the actual available power is less due to other usage.

According to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, an average of 2,300W is realistic for recharging, requiring around 26 hours for a 60kWh battery. Some campsites provide high-power charge points, but these need pre-booking.

Maintenance and running costs

Electric campervans boast lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes or traditional servicing components.

While the initial purchase cost might be higher, estimates suggest that electric vehicles can be up to 40% cheaper to run than their fossil fuel counterparts.

Clean air zones

Electric campervans are ideal for navigating city centres with increasing low emission zones. Councils in the UK and Europe are pushing for reducing fossil fuel-powered vehicles in city limits, making electric campervans a more practical choice for urban travel.

Electric vans v diesel vans

Electric campervans provide a greener alternative to diesel, with reduced carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable future.

The shift towards electric is evident in the changing landscape of automotive regulations and consumer preferences.

However, there are pros and cons to electric campervans…

Pros of electric campervans

Electric vehicles (EVs) bring several advantages to the table. Firstly, they are user-friendly and statistically involved in fewer accidents, thanks to smooth acceleration and automatic transmissions.

The electric motor ensures a quiet and seamless driving experience, enhancing overall comfort. The low placement of the battery contributes to a lower centre of gravity, improving handling and stability, a crucial factor for campervans.

Moreover, EVs boast a significant reduction in moving parts, leading to lower maintenance costs. With fewer components like oil, filters, and belts, servicing becomes both cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

The quiet and vibration-free nature of electric vehicles offers a relaxed driving atmosphere, making them an excellent match for leisure vehicles.

Negatives of electric campervans

However, challenges persist for electric campervans. The initial cost remains considerably higher than diesel equivalents. The limited range of electric campervans, typically between 100 and 250 miles, pales in comparison to diesel alternatives, posing a significant constraint, especially for long-distance travel in campervans.

A critical concern is the patchy and often insufficient charging infrastructure. The uneven distribution of charging points and the variability in plug types and schemes create inconvenience for users, particularly in areas with low population density. The lack of control over charging points by vehicle manufacturers contributes to logistical challenges and occasional misuse, as observed in inner-city areas.

Additionally, the weight limit of 3,500kg, crucial for campervan sales, complicates the integration of sufficient power and battery capacity needed for larger motorhomes.

The disposal of worn-out batteries, lasting eight to 10 years, raises environmental questions, especially considering the impact of frequent fast charging on battery lifespan.

Until technological advancements, such as solid-state batteries, address these concerns, electric campervans may face limitations in widespread adoption.

Are electric campervans worth it?

The worth of an electric campervan depends on various factors, including your annual mileage, charging accessibility, and environmental considerations.

While the initial purchase cost may be higher, lower running costs and environmental benefits could make electric campervans a sensible long-term investment.

What electric campervans are available now?

Several electric campervans are already making waves, such as the Bürstner concept, CampervanCo's Eco Revolution, and conversions based on the Nissan e-NV200, Toyota Proace, and Citroën ë-Dispatch.

Exciting developments from Love Campers and others on the Volkswagen ID Buzz are also on the horizon – with some conversions based on the VW already available.

Things to consider before you buy

Prospective buyers should weigh factors like charging infrastructure, daily mileage, and their environmental impact.

Additionally, understanding the specific needs of electric campervans, such as charging times and range limitations, is crucial for a satisfying ownership experience.

Final thoughts

Electric campervans represent the future of travel, offering a cleaner and greener alternative to traditional fossil fuel vehicles. While the market is still evolving, the potential benefits, including reduced maintenance costs and lower environmental impact, make them an attractive option for the environmentally conscious camper.

And, while there are still concerns over range, as the automotive landscape continues to shift, electric campervans are set to play a significant role in shaping the future of leisure travel in the UK and beyond.