These 5 Innovative Electric Camper Vans Are Set to Transform #Vanlife

Where the open road meets nature, camper vans are cherished for their convenience, freedom of travel, and connection to the outdoors—but they contribute significantly to emissions.

"Each year, RV users in the USA release millions of tons of CO2," states Sam Shapiro, CEO of Grounded, an electric camper van company based in Detroit. His experience living in a fossil fuel-powered camper van in 2020, which he dubbed a "gas guzzler," heightened his awareness of climate issues and inspired him to launch his company.

At its essence, camper van living is an oversized road trip; larger vehicles typically mean lower fuel efficiency and higher CO2 emissions. With the escalating climate crisis, transportation now contributes to over a quarter of America's carbon footprint, primarily from on-road vehicles.

Despite this, the market for camper vans and larger recreational vehicles (RVs) is thriving, fueled by the rise of #vanlife on social media and a surge in interest during the early days of the pandemic, as travelers looked for safer alternatives in tourism.

A part of this growth is set to go electric, with the first wave of electric camper van concepts and custom conversions now appearing. Major players like Winnebago, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Thor are preparing to transform the American road trip experience.

"The future of vehicles is likely electric," states Kraig Becker, digital editor at RV.com/RV Magazine. He adds, "However, the electric camper van market is still in its infancy, with only a few manufacturers exploring options and testing prototypes, and very few models available for purchase."

Becker further explains, "The positive aspect is that the three primary platforms for camper vans—the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster—now offer electric versions. This will enable more brands to start testing and developing electric RVs, paving the way for additional models to enter the market soon."

The camper van market has traditionally been filled by DIY enthusiasts and smaller firms producing custom conversions from standard vans. Notably, startups like Grounded, which utilizes the Ford E-Transit chassis, have already begun sales in the U.S.

Improvements in battery technology are also propelling the electrified market, alongside travel trends favoring eco-friendliness and increasing familiarity with electric vehicles, particularly among younger generations, according to Becker.

"With younger individuals becoming RV owners, there’s a growing trend towards more eco-friendly and sustainable camping practices. These new buyers are increasingly interested in off-grid camping that is gentler on the planet," he remarks.

In addition to the obvious environmental benefits of removing tailpipe emissions, cost savings are also significant—electric camper van batteries can be recharged at lower-cost (or even free) charging stations instead of gas pumps, providing another advantage.

"These large gas-powered vehicles often guzzle fuel, leading to hefty expenses on gas during a typical road trip," notes Shapiro.

Other compelling reasons to switch include quieter electric engines and lower maintenance costs compared to gas vehicles, alongside the possibility of off-grid camping. However, challenges still hinder the widespread adoption of electric camper vans.

"The charging infrastructure requires upgrades, EVs need faster charging capabilities, and manufacturers must enhance range. Currently, EVs are quite expensive, making them inaccessible for many," explains Becker. He believes these challenges will be addressed in the coming years as technology advances and production increases. While he notes that charging times for electric vans are similar to those of electric cars, their range is limited, typically ranging from 100 to a target of 300 miles for these initial electric van models.

Here’s a look at the future of eco-friendly travel with five groundbreaking, clean-energy camper vans that are set to transform the #vanlife scene. (Note that many of these models are still in the concept stage, so prices and release dates remain uncertain for most.)

Grounded G1

As of April 2023, Grounded, a Detroit-based startup founded by ex-SpaceX and Tesla engineers, became the first major electric camper van company to successfully introduce its products to the U.S. market. Its G1 vehicles, built on Ford E-Transit platforms, feature customizable modular interiors inspired by Scandinavian design, complete with sustainably sourced birch finishes and spacious ceilings. Additional highlights include smart app technology (like remote HVAC control) and solar panels for off-grid travel. The company plans to launch its G2 model this fall, which will significantly increase the range from 108 to 250 miles. Starting at $125,000; groundedrvs.com

Winnebago eRV2

American RV leader Winnebago is set to dive into the electric camper van scene with its all-electric eRV2 prototype, based on the Ford E-Transit chassis. Featuring a contemporary design made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials, the company claims its advanced battery system, supported by solar panels, will enable off-grid camping for up to a week. Currently in the concept stage, this model has a range of 100 to 115 miles and is undergoing field tests to refine its final design. Although not confirmed, there are whispers that the eRV2 could enter production as early as next year. winnebago.com

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Volkswagen’s legendary Microbus vans played a pivotal role in shaping America’s camper van culture during the 1960s. It’s only fitting that they return for the electric era with the eagerly awaited ID. Buzz van—a nostalgic nod to its hippie roots—set to debut in the U.S. market later in 2024. Where “classic charm meets modern energy,” these playful, retro-inspired vans will boast striking two-tone exteriors, recycled materials, spacious layouts, ambient lighting, massaging front seats, a sunroof, and an impressive range of over 260 miles. Additionally, Volkswagen has revealed plans to launch an ID. California camper van for Europe in 2025, though it’s unclear if or when it will be available in the U.S. Meanwhile, expect to see custom camper van conversions emerging around the ID. Buzz, as Volkswagen also aims to offer custom camping accessories in the United States. vw.com

Thor Vision Vehicle

Thor Industries, the largest RV manufacturer in the world and parent to Airstream, is developing the Thor Vision Vehicle, an electric camper van boasting an impressive “best in class” range of 300 miles, thanks to a combination battery pack and fuel-cell range extender. It features advanced technology such as custom app controls, a solar-paneled roof, voice-activated functions, and a “digital cockpit” filled with useful apps. With its sleek design and luxurious interiors, Thor’s vehicle is built on a unique electric chassis developed in collaboration with American automotive company Roush. According to a Thor representative, this concept vehicle is designed as a “learning platform” to guide the Thor family of companies in creating electric motorhomes and trailers, leaving the final design of their first-generation electric camper van still to be determined. thorindustries.com

Mercedes-Benz Van.EA

German automaker Mercedes-Benz is set to release its first electric eSprinter vans in the U.S. by late 2023, featuring a range of up to 250 miles. While the brand has previously launched small electric camper vans exclusively in Europe, it is now hinting at plans to introduce a new line of premium mid- and full-size electric camper vans to the U.S. for the first time. Slated for release in 2026 under the next-generation Van Electric Architecture (Van.EA) battery-electric vehicle platform, most specifics are still confidential. In the meantime, keep an eye out for custom van conversions based on Mercedes’s eSprinter from independent companies arriving soon. media.mbusa.com