Embarking on the road with an electric campervan opens up a world of sustainable travel possibilities. With benefits like zero emissions and cost savings, it’s a smart choice for any modern adventurer. If you’re planning a roadtrip, an electric campervan allows you to explore the beauty of nature while minimising your carbon footprint, or venture into new cities without restrictions.
As electric campervans have gained traction on the market in recent years, we’re here to help you get a better understanding of these eco-friendly vehicles. We’ll explore the benefits of choosing electric, share tips for selecting the right electric campervan, along with best practices on how to best plan your road trip.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about electric campervans.
What are the benefits of choosing an electric campervan?
Electric campervans, also known as electric vehicles (EVs) or electric campers, offer several advantages over traditional campervans. The main draw for most is that they contribute to reducing air pollution and our dependence on fossil fuels. And, as well as significantly lowering your environmental impact, they also help to reduce noise pollution and trade fumes. This is why for many campervanners, it’s a cleaner, greener option when taking a trip.
Although electric campervans are generally more expensive than their diesel counterparts, they offer significant long-term savings when it comes to fuel, tax, and maintenance costs.
Electric campervans vs traditional campervans
Before deciding whether an electric campervan is right for you, it’s worth comparing them against traditional campervans as there’s several key factors to take into account:
Electric campervans:
- Run on electricity and produce zero emissions
- They’re a quieter and smoother driving experience
- Much more comfortable over a long journey
- They have lower running costs, costing an average of 8p per mile
- Less maintenance required, potentially saving costs on servicing and repairs
- While charging infrastructure can be limited, this is expanding rapidly across the country
- As newer electric campervan models are released, their ranges are improving – you can see this shift in action with models like the VW ID. Buzz, which has helped bring more attention to the future of electric vans
Traditional campervans:
- They run on petrol or diesel, which contributes to air pollution
- Noisier and less smooth driving experience
- Higher running costs including high fuel prices
- More maintenance required with regular oil changes and engine checks for example
- Widespread availability of petrol stations
- Longer range depending on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle
- Larger towing capacity in comparative models
Choosing between an electric campervan or a traditional camper is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why we offer campervan hire here at camper_versions, to give you the perfect opportunity to see if campervan life is right for you.
Selecting the right electric campervan
Finding the perfect EV campervan means matching its range, battery, and layout to the kind of adventures you want to take to ensure every journey is as smooth and green as the destination. It also involves considering factors such as the model, the base vehicle, and the camper conversion that best suits your needs. That’s why it’s important to research the different electric campervan models available and their specifications.
Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
- Spacious interior layout – ensure your electric campervan has ample room for living, sleeping, and storage.
- Solar power system – consider harnessing renewable energy for charging appliances and powering your campervan.
- Induction hob – this will provide you with a convenient and efficient way to cook meals on the road.
- Leisure battery system – make sure you have a reliable and consistent power supply for your campervan’s electrical needs.
- Efficient driving features – this will include things like regenerative braking, eco-mode, and energy-saving settings to maximise your electric campervan’s range.
- Optional extras – ask yourself if you’d like other optional extras such as a pop-top roof, additional seating, or customised interior design so you can make it your own.
Tips for maximising your electric campervan’s range
Maximising your electric campervan’s range allows you to truly get the most out of this eco-friendly vehicle and enjoy trips for longer. To achieve this, it’s essential to practise efficient driving habits and manage your energy use effectively, for example:
- Drive at a moderate speed as higher speeds can significantly reduce your range.
- Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking as they consume more energy.
- Utilise regenerative braking, which converts the energy generated during braking back into electricity to recharge the battery.
- Plan your routes and charging stops strategically and take advantage of EV-friendly routes with charging infrastructure available.
- Use energy-saving settings in your campervan’s systems, such as adjusting climate control to conserve energy.
- Take advantage of solar panels to charge your campervan’s battery during daylight hours.
- Be mindful of your energy consumption while using appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices in your campervan.
Best practices for charging on the go
Charging your EV campervan on the go requires some planning and knowledge of charging infrastructure. Here are some of our tips and tricks to get you started:
- Use apps or websites like Zapmap to locate nearby charging points and plan your route accordingly. Google Maps is also great for planning your route.
- Familiarise yourself with different types of charging stations, including rapid chargers and fast chargers, and understand their charging speeds, costs, and compatibility with your campervan.
- Carry the necessary charging cables and adapters to ensure compatibility with various charging stations.
- Utilise charging stations during driving breaks or overnight stays and take advantage of downtime to charge your vehicle.
- Consider joining charging network apps for easier access to charging stations and extra benefits.
- Be mindful of charging etiquette and be considerate of other EV owners by not hogging charging points unnecessarily.
Navigating legal considerations
As with all vehicles, owning and driving an electric campervan means there are legal obligations you have to meet. This includes registration and insurance requirements, along with understanding and adhering to local regulations.
When registering your electric campervan, ensure that you provide all the necessary documentation, including proof of ownership, vehicle specifications, and any additional requirements specific to electric vehicles.
It’s also important to update your insurance policy to include coverage for your electric campervan. Electric vehicle insurance policies may have specific requirements and considerations, so it’s advisable to consult with an insurance provider experienced in electric vehicle coverage.
As with some campervans, electric campervans may face some local regulations which can vary from area-to-area. It’s important to understand and adhere to the specific rules and requirements of the places you’re travelling to. This may include restrictions on parking, access to certain areas, or specific regulations.
Be sure to familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations wherever you take a trip, and ensure that you comply with any requirements or restrictions. This may involve obtaining permits or permissions for specific activities, such as charging at public charging stations or accessing certain off-grid camping areas.
Road tripping in an electric campervan
Road tripping in EV campervans offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the world around you. By planning your route and charging stops accordingly, you can embark on unforgettable adventures and enjoy the simple pleasures of being in nature, while minimising your carbon footprint.
Here are a few simple tips to a successful electric road trip:
- Consider the range of your electric campervan and plan your stops accordingly to ensure you have access to charging stations within your vehicle’s range.
- Look for charging stations in popular tourist areas or near attractions to combine sightseeing with charging.
- Research and identify campsites or accommodations that offer charging facilities, allowing you to recharge overnight.
- If you want to travel off-peak, be sure to research which camp sites are open all year round, or whether wild camping is an option for you.
Speak to us today to learn more
With the right electric campervan, you’ll be all set to explore more, waste less, and enjoy every mile in comfort with a clear conscience. We hope our guide has provided you with the information you need to consider whether an electric campervan is right for you. If you’d like to learn more about electric campervans, you can contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today.
Here at camper_versions, we have a huge selection of traditional campervans for sale – some of which are ready to drive away. We also offer campervan hire for those who want to see if the campervan life is for them, so be sure to take a look at our availability and book your trip today to avoid disappointment. In 2026, you’ll have the abilty order a brand new electric campervan from us. You can email us today to register your interest.
Electric campervan FAQs
How long does it take to charge an electric campervan?
The time it takes to charge an electric campervan depends on various factors, including the size of the battery and the charging speed of the charging station. Rapid chargers can charge up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, and this can be even faster for ultra-rapid chargers. Slower chargers may take several hours for a full charge. Home charging with a standard outlet may take several hours and is ideal for charging up your electric vehicle overnight.
Can I convert any van into an electric campervan?
While it is possible to convert any van into an electric campervan, it’s important to consider the practicality and compatibility of the base vehicle, electric motor, and conversion kit. If you’re thinking about converting your van to an electric campervan, contact our professional campervan conversion specialists for expert guidance.
How far can an electric campervan travel on a single charge?
The range of an electric campervan depends on various factors like battery capacity, driving conditions, and terrain. Typically, modern electric campervans can travel between 100 to 200 miles on a single charge. This can vary depending on your battery size, cargo weight, use of internal heating or A/C, and effective driving techniques.
Are electric campervans suitable for wild camping?
Electric campervans can be suitable for wild camping, but it requires careful planning and possible additional equipment, like solar panels or portable generators, to ensure you have enough power for your needs.
What’s the lifespan of the batteries in an electric campervan?
The lifespan of batteries in electric campervans vary depending on usage and environmental factors. However, most manufacturers offer warranties on the battery packs for a certain number of years or miles.
What money can I save by going electric?
Choosing an electric campervan can help you save money on things like exemptions from taxes and clean air zone charges. Maintenance costs are also significantly lower as there is less need for costly repairs, oil changes, and less complicated transmissions.
What are the effects on payload and towing capacity?
In electric campervans, the weight of the battery can reduce payload and towing capacity compared to a traditional campervan. It’s important to consider the towing capability when you’re buying a vehicle so it best suits your needs. As long as you know your vehicle’s limits and plan for the range loss, this should not negatively affect your towing options. You can also consider a specialised towbar.