Electric Vans: Are They a Sustainable Solution for VanLife?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- We discuss electric vans and what could quite possibly become the future of vanlife. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!!
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One big positive thing I see is there won't be a need to add separate batteries to your motor home. You can simply connect everything to the Van's gigantic battery. Could be a boon for time when you are not on the road or off-grid. But let's see what technical hurdles we have.
No hurdles, other than price.
I want a PHEV van w/ at least a 100 mile electric-only range, and a small/quiet onboard generator ('range extender') that can push overall range past 300 miles, and be refilled w/ gas every 200 miles to keep going without stopping to charge. (Like the Chevy Volt or BMW i3).
It would need the option to be able to save 10-20kwh of battery for when you're parked (start running off gas generator sooner). And it should support a 24v 3,000kva inverter from the battery, preferably one you can swap out.
... Then you have a massive battery pack to run A/C, induction cooktop, fridge, and anything else you want without worry. With a backup generator for extended range and/or more battery power when boondocking. The little gasoline fuel tank (say 10-15gal instead of 25-31 in a typical van) would still be large enough to be used for heat in the winter as well.
If I could get that for < $100k USD, I'd buy one over a gas Transit or diesel Sprinter any day.
Edit: Of course this means a lot of people will just be running off gas for long trips... but they may be electric-only when they're near a destination for a few days, etc.
Also, the onboard generator charging the EV batteries for the RV motors is usually more efficient than a gas engine turning the transmission and wheels itself.
wow thanks for the greatly detailed comment JP :D
Onboard chargers can function as high power inverters also so you could run your appliances straight from your traction battery. You wouldn't also need extra cable when stopped because then you could use electric grid from type charger cable.
I already have my eye on the Amazon Van, it is perfect. They are all extremely useful...
wonder how long it will take to become accessible tho
I would consider it if the solar charge could charge it while I'm off grid
yes, it would have to be a must
What I’m looking for in an electric van is 1. Range 2. Solar roof and awning charging capability. 3. All wheel drive. 4. Water and waste water under floor locations. 5. An auxiliary component connection station.
EV's seem like a great compliment to van life. Living in a smaller space, creating less pollution, less noise. I have an electric car and, more than anything, I LOVE how quiet it is. If all vehicles were electric, that roar you hear when you open your front door on a Monday morning would be, thankfully, gone.
Kanoo is just about ready to go out of business, but not before the CEO bought himself a private jet.
8+ years and 200k+ miles into EV ownership. My wife and I went cross country in our Bolt and slept in it a couple nights. We were thinking about van life already before that but it sold us on it for sure to pursue a van next. As soon as a van comes out that advertises 250+ mile range, 150kw+ DCFC, AWD, and a hightop to regular consumers we are going to jump on it!
Yes defo would consider an electric van for van life.
yeah? curious the reasoning behind that?
Not paying for gas duh
Need at least 300 miles of range. So I will hold out until then. The idea of an electric van with solar array on top that can charge the van is the ultimate vanlife dream. Plus most pay campsites have 50 amp connections.
yes, the solar to also powr the van!
Plasan could make a better van electric van especially with Watergen as a way to become more independent. Plasan also has the Attems system that can be used on motorhome or commercial trailers that recaptures energy.
Very interested to see what Tesla comes out with. Word is they're working on a competitor to the Sprinter, Transit, etc. Probably won't be till around 2026-7 I'm guessing. But when it does it will probably be the best option on the market.
Waiting for the Tesla Van!!! I have the model 3 and get over 330 miles on one charge! I have camped in it many times. Could use more room🤩Would love the van and possibly live in it👍
I don’t get why those electric vans have such a small battery pack, while a Model S, or various other EVs have 100+ KWh battery.
I do think this is the future. Have a roof full of solar, with awnings with solar. Maybe some 1800 to 2400 W solar system. It would be amazing.
Parking AC and heating already built-in since it wouldn’t depend on belt driven compressor…. Hope this happens sooner than later
Eager to begin my Electric Van Life. Waiting a little longer for some nicer EV's to come out, though. Intend on integrating and mounting a solar system on the roof for complete Off-Grid capabilities. Route Del Sol will be a large inspiration. Although a vehicle that large won't be what I am looking for. The Canoo looks like it will be a perfect size. May wait for some of those electric delivery vans to come out, as well. The flat square footage on the roof would lend itself well to have a nice solar system for passive charging.
Sweet - love to hear it! We did a video with Route Del Sol a while back that you might enjoy!
Saving up to replace the fossil fuel Promaster with an electric van already. Will be sleeping at charging stations instead of rest stops.
curious why you choose that option over a van you already have? its a genuine question
@@VanClan Because I've been a solar power hobbiest for years and understand all storages chemistry. Seems that a 150 miles range could be laced up to 500 miles. It's just more batteries all in parallel.
I would absolutely consider an electric van. My main concern would be the weight of the batteries and if that would impact being able to have the build I want. I absolutely have to have a full bathroom, a hydralic bed, and a large sitting area that converts to a guest bed underunderhydraulic bed. I'm not too particular about my kitchen. I am ok using stick on tile. I do want wood countertops, but I could use a lightweight material and then a very thin piece of real wood on top, like a veneer. The other must have is the cab area being walled off, but with a pocket door. So, if I could get my must haves and be underwight, I would absolutely love to have an electric van.
mileage is insanely low, but people dont realize those batteries are extremely big in comparison to how much most vanlifers can store lol
Yes I would like an electric van,maybe better fuel by hydrogen fuel cell! Will see what’s better and the cost.
👍
Id consider it ONLY if Solar Panels can charge my vehicle to where I would never necessarily need to stop by a charging station
If they get more available towing for when it brakes down Ide be looking more into it. But being stuck at a place because there isnt a special towing truck available is a deal breaker.
Thanks, Van Clan; I have a lot to say about electric vans! First is that I would definitely want more than 126 miles -- maybe 200 minimum. Europe actually has tons of different electric vans on the road (Renault, Fiat, etc, etc), and as far as I know, they're all mainly designed for urban use. You probably also know that VW has an electric minibus coming out, but it's pretty small, and there's also an outfit called Solarolla that converts gas models. And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with my eye on the Amazon Rivians! (Want!!!) They've gotta start selling off the used ones someday, right??
I'd personally urge anyone who intends to venture off the freeways to maximize their solar so that they could theoretically limp back if they needed to, and even more importantly, would urge everyone to cover the batteries and as much of the electronics as they can in faraday cloth for health reasons. That's a lot of EMF in a small, reflective space.
I predict that the first manufacturer who can come up with a decent range is going to clean up selling to vanlifers and conversion companies alone, and if I can find a way to live with subsidizing slavery in this way, I intend to be first in line!
PS There are apparently (and unsurprisingly) a number of electric RVs in the works, too, including a Winnebago with crappy range, Roadtrek, Nissan, etc, and "Thor" with 300 alleged miles! th-cam.com/video/rInoTY4kTpg/w-d-xo.html
I definitely want an electric van. I'm on my 2nd Nissan LEAF and my partner has the electric Hyundai Kona, Want to do van life, but won't do it using fossil fuel at all
Not with that range because remember battery car electrics have to charge to 80% to maintain longevity on that battery so if you have 100 mile range will use that as an example you can only charge it to 80 miles cannot charge it to 100 miles or you will damage and degrade your battery more rapidly then if you just charge it to 80%, so that’s something people need to remember it’s not enough range. It needs at least 350 miles if it’s a work in van for the day you’d be surprised how many miles you back up in a city and you don’t wanna charge it until nightfall. Or end of shift.
I am waiting to start van life until there is an electric option available. So yes! Bring them on!
How far do you hope on electric 'tank' takes you?
@@VanClan I mean, the further, the better. 200+ miles with a quick (30min) charge would be great. Even just a hybrid van option would be awesome - would allow for longer distance with the aid of gas, but would have the electric option when going shorter distances. I don't think there are any hybrid options out there. Of course expanding charging infrastructure to include more remote places people would go in camper vans (national parks, forests, etc.) would also be needed.
I would be specifically interested in an electric van that has a range of more than 150 miles. With 4wd off road ability. We currently have the 4x4 diesel Mercedes sprinter high top for van life.
interesting to hear! even with the 4x4 diesel youd consider the switch?
@Van Clan we would like to get off the roller coaster of fossil fuels.
I've had my eye on Canoo for some time, unfortunately my age and technical advancement is not meshing, I can hope tho.
totally hear you. We arent so sure ourselves if its a technical advancement or somewhat scary step back
Would we be able to use the car battery for moving as the same battery for household functions too?
Im not too sure. It would be a really nice feature to have and would make it much more enticing to those who would be purchasing IMO
Looking forward to a $33K Canoo delivery van. Too cheap, probably would come at around $40K USD. Can't trust what startup say about pricing. Canoo touts a separate adventure vehicle that has 4x4 but it's way too small for fulltime Vanlife
You’re right about estimated prices with start ups !!!
AWD for skiing is a must.
100%
🤔 people are waiting on the Amazon van to hit CoParts. 😂🤣😂
lol!
I would love to buy an electric van!
why would you go electric? very open to hearing
I think an electric van is a great idea for r for van life and I am waiting for them to be readily available. I can't wait!
curious what platform youd go after?
@@VanClan So far I like the Rivian EDV 700. I like its 201 mile range and the traditional van look as opposed to the Canoe.'
I WOULD BUY ONE..... VANDOIT OWNER
When the vans get better I would. All the ford and Merc are just a remodel. Not a new model.
I already have an electric camper (an e-Niro - a bit cramped but it works well) and would definitely consider an electric camper van. Electric is a game changer because you essentially have unlimited heat/AC on battery power without having to be plugged in (or idling an ICE). This is why I went from a Promaster vanlife setup to an e-Niro (which I camperized - see this video tour th-cam.com/video/0XsXf83QnJ4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Ts8zlh-_ZLt6rtO9)
very interesting - we will take a peek!!
The electric van, much like EV cars, are already too expensive. A base unconfigured E-Transit is over $55K
i totally hear you. its a massive barrier of entry especially with these days living costs.
Ok EV700 can it have photovoltaic cells on the roof? Ok
If you're looking at van life EVs, the eTransit and eSprinter ain't it. Wait for startups like Xbus and Canoo, because the modular nature of their vehicles that have camper van options, and much better range(~250-350 miles), will blow most of what mainstream offerings are out of the water in terms of functionality, affordability, and performance.
Canoo is nicely designed but the original founders and designers were fired and taken over by US military 😂
How about electric fiat ducato
sure! What do yoi think of it
Electric van with a 300 mile range would be Great.
just 300? I think it would need to be more similar to what we currently get with our diesel T1N to make it an option personally (800-1000kms)
van life means, traveling 700 - 1000 km per day ...SO TODAY NO way for an electric van...
we have to agree with that! might work for those who still live in a van but are more stationary? 🤷♀️
126 miles is horrible
every other brand than Ford has more range...this is as bad an idea as one of the first EVs 40 miles.
NO
haha we hear you!
😂😂😂😂😂 130 miles absolutely 💩
first :D
Nope.
we totally hear you
That don't make sense because you aint answered. The question Van life with these type of answer is ridiculous. We're gonna park in the bushes. Where are you gonna recharge where you go out into Arizona? There's no parking places to recharge. Once you're dead, no gas vehicles are much better. They go longer and then when the cold weather it don't start. Electric is not ready yet.
It's crematorium on wheels that gets you roasting when you sleep.