The hashtag #vanlife has taken off for many reasons. What about the electric camper van market? How does it contribute, and what are the benefits besides reducing tailpipe emissions?
Electric camper vans have come a long way and offer considerable perks for those adopting the lifestyle to escape unmanageable housing costs or slake their wanderlust. Consumers have multiple options to consider when embracing the lifestyle.
The Grounded G1 is perhaps the best-known Tesla electric camper van product. However, its creator — former SpaceX engineer Sam Shapiro — built it on a Ford Transit frame rather than ground-up construction to conserve costs and focus on the tech. Although the price tag is steep at $125,000, the company offers a subscription lease program. Lessees don’t have the option to buy but upgrade to a new vehicle when the original term ends.
This van shines in interior design. Its modular nature is reminiscent of an IKEA showroom, albeit in a much smaller space. However, travelers will delight in ample storage space for all their gear.
The Grounded G1 also retails for less than the Winnebago eRV2. It compares in distance covered, as both have an estimated range of 108 miles. That’s currently not enough to travel from Phoenix to Quartzsite, AZ, in a single shot. Those considering such a vehicle for traveling out west must plan routes carefully to charge between destinations — and plan some day escapes to make the side trips worthwhile.
However, the up-and-coming Grounded G2 promises more than 250 miles of range. The total purchase price is $195,000, although a $100 refundable deposit reserves your ride until mass production starts.
Other notable electric camper vans on the market include the Mercedes Benz eSprinter. This model offers a 249-mile range, making it preferable for vacationers to squeeze a lot of trips into one short getaway. Retro fans will adore the Volkswagen iD Buzz, which promises a 260-mile expected range. Of course, there’s also the reliable Ford Transit all-electric model, priced from $51,095 and up, with a 159-mile estimated range.
All electric camper vans promise lower maintenance costs, as such engines have fewer moving parts than standard combustion models. Their quiet operation lets owners pull into the campsite after midnight without disrupting others, and many contain a separate 12V system to power the lights, refrigerator, and water pump without the engine running. Their eco-friendliness is the biggest draw for many, as zero tailpipe emissions keep the air around beautiful natural regions cleaner.
With new electric camper vans selling for $50,000 or more, happy campers looking to save money may need to get creative. Even many used vans with combustible engines still retail between $20,000 to $40,000, sometimes higher. However, consumers with DIY skills have workarounds to make EV van life more affordable.
For one, electric vehicles continue to depreciate faster than combustion engines, meaning those buying used may find bargains. Additionally, many brands have begun to transition to all-electric fleets to meet heightened emission standards and replace such vehicles more quickly than the average driver. Consumers can buy these used cargo vans when enterprises upgrade, often saving thousands by checking out online commercial truck trader websites.
Converting a used EV van into an electric camper van allows for greater customization. For example, although some models — such as the Grounded G1 — include a bathroom, some buyers may not need this luxury, especially if they stay at established campgrounds with shower facilities. Buying used and building from scratch transforms the interior into a romantic getaway suite, rolling home office, or meat storage area for hunters, depending on need and desire.
Electric camper vans will likely continue to grow in popularity in the coming years, providing a secondary market for the resale of gently used vehicles and conversions. Such designs offer copious benefits beyond environmental friendliness. They’re quieter to operate, promise fewer long-term maintenance costs, and preserve the planet adventurous souls live to explore.
Tesla will no doubt continue lending its unique innovation to such products. Working with other manufacturers spurs creativity and reduces overall costs. Creating electric camper vans that go the distance expands affordable recreation and secondary lodging to many, and the future looks bright for those who invest in such technologies now.
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