Classic Vans Blog

America's #1 Conversion Van, Camper Van and Wheelchair Accessible Dealer

CALL TODAY!    (866) 370-8222
(877) 370-8333

Low-Cost Nationwide Van Delivery

View Reviews
Blog > Camper Vans > Is the Future of Campervans Electric? The Future May Already Be Here

Is the Future of Campervans Electric? The Future May Already Be Here

January 26, 2021 By ClassicVans editor

electric campervan conversion

In September 2020, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced that the state would pursue a policy of no future sales of non-electric vehicles by 2035.

It may be difficult to grasp the idea of no more gas or diesel-powered passenger vehicles being sold in the Golden State, let alone Class B Rvs, motorhomes and campervans. But it may actually happen! RV manufacturers nationwide are trying to get ahead of any potential new laws so that their clientele can still get out and explore nature.

So what are the latest innovations when it comes to electric-powered campervans, motorhomes and RVs? What’s the future? Do any electric models already exist?

Let’s dig in and find out.

New “green” technology happening in motorhomes

While we may not be around to camp in an RV that is fully powered by batteries, there’s a pretty good chance our children and grandchildren will. As more countries and states move to restrict internal combustion engines, new means of propelling a recreational vehicle will take hold.

How do we know?

Because some exciting, state-of-the-art technology is already starting to take shape.

One of the most promising at this time is via battery-supplied electricity.

While some may scoff at the notion, we feel like the coming electric RV revolution may not be all bad—just different. The recoil to such change is understandable, but what’s more important for future generations: hearing the sound of a revved-up hemi or simply getting out into nature?

Though there are still plenty of bugs to work out, RV manufacturers are tinkering away, tweaking chassis to accommodate battery packs capable of propelling even the heaviest rigs down the highway. If the Toyota Prius and Tesla are any indication, eventually a tried-and-true system or 2 will be developed in the coming decades to allow for reliable charging and travel.

Once more charging stations are added to gas stations and campgrounds, there’s no reason why you couldn’t go from 1 campground to another in a 100% electric RV, motorhome or campervans, all without using a drop of gasoline or diesel.

Case study of an electric motorhome

If you’re a fan of current diesel-pushers, you may wonder how the math works out when calculating MPG for a 45-foot, full-size, Class A brick-shaped motorhome. They’ll usually see somewhere between 8 and 14 MPG.

So let’s say you wanted to drive from Detroit, Michigan to Miami, Florida for the winter to be a snowbird. What might that trip cost each way? If we take the average price for a gallon of diesel (about $2.50) and assume the fuel tank is 100 gallons, that’s roughly $250 per fillup. Taking the middle road for their MPG, we’ll go with 11 miles per gallon; that means the Class A motorhome can travel 1,100 miles per tank.

So to traverse the distance between the 2 cities (1,400 miles), it would take 127 gallons of diesel—or about $318.

What would the same trip cost to charge a fully electric motorhome that has a range of 250 miles?

The national average cost for a kilowatt of power is $0.13 cents. Assuming the motorhome is charged at night (when costs are most reasonable) and assuming there’s a single charge conducted during the day (when electricity costs are higher), the average electric motorhome will cost about $3 for 50 miles, or $15 for 250 miles.

That’s $30 per day, or per every 500 miles, which translates to $90 in charging costs to go 1,400 miles, the distance between Detroit and Miami.

Clearly, when you break down the numbers, electric campervans and RVs have great potential as major cost-savers.

Charging a motorhome comes with other hurdles, however, such as a lack of charging stations which can make planning the trip tricky for now. But it’s certainly possible that the nation’s charging infrastructure will improve dramatically by the time more technology becomes available to make fully-electric RV or campervan more competitive.

Plus, the trip to Florida would cost 3.5 times less!

Are there any electric motorhomes currently on the market?

Winnebago made waves in 2018 when the company launched the first fully electric RV platform, with ranges of 85 to 125 miles on a full charge. It was a big, early step for a mass RV-producer, and since then, more motorhome manufacturers have jumped onto the electrification bandwagon.

Winnebago says that the initial vehicle was best suited “for urban and semi-urban short range commercial applications like mobile medical clinics, bloodmobiles, mobile classrooms and mobile outreach vehicles.”

In 2018, Nissan debuted a fully electric pop-top camper van which, unfortunately, isn’t for sale in the United States yet.

The move from gasoline or diesel-powered motorhomes and vans to electric travel vehicles isn’t just happening in North America. Several European manufacturers in Germany, The Netherlands, England and France have all begun offering electric options.

In 2019, German RV manufacturer WOF debuted a dedicated electric motorhome with a 249-mile range. The Iridium offers a dry bath with a shower, kitchen and a split double bed with a dining area that can seat 5 in the front.

The future of campervans and motorhomes

An electric RV or campervan certainly has high demand within the camping crowd. At first, they may be best suited for “weekend warriors” (perhaps singles or couples) who want to camp within the electric charge range of their home. Gradually, we think this “range anxiety” will eventually be overcome with the installation of new charging stations across the country and further developments in battery technology.

As a lifelong internal combustion engine (ICE) owner and lover, one must eventually embrace the inevitable. There will always be old-school ICE engines powering old or vintage RVs. (One can’t picture a Volkswagen Kombi Westfalia pop-top van without hearing its flat 4-motor sputtering away.)

But electric vehicles—not just motorhomes—are going to be more prevalent. Welcoming the future while admiring the past may be the best course of action so that future generations can enjoy as much nature as possible.

If you’re on the market for a new or used campervan, come on down to Classic Vans and take a look at our inventory! Our expert staff members would be happy to help put you in the best motorhome that suits your family’s needs.

Filed Under: Camper Vans Tagged With: industry news

‹ Classic Vans Home

Categories

  • Camper Vans
  • Chevy & GMC Custom Vans
  • Executive Limousine Conversion Vans
  • Exploring the Great Outdoors
  • Family Travel
  • Features & Amenities
  • Handicap Conversion Vans
  • Industry News
  • Interviews
  • Luxury Conversion Vans
  • New Conversion Vans
  • Purchasing your Next Van
  • Used Conversion Vans
  • Van Maintenance & Repair

(866) 370-8222

     
Copyright © 2021 · Site Info. Web Design and Marketing by SEO Advantage, Inc.
Classic Vans 25700 Mission Blvd., Hayward CA 94544 (510) 538-3150

 

Classic Vans
Combining Comfort, Luxury and Affordability

Your One Stop Shop for Finding New or Used Custom Vans

Luxury Conversion Vans

As America's #1 conversion van dealer, Classic Vans specializes in selling new custom conversion vans built to each customer's exact specifications, down to the color, chassis, roof height, and lavish features. In addition, all of our used passenger vans for sale come with a certified warranty, full point inspection, and a rigorous detailing that makes them look and drive as good as new. Browse our inventory of new and used Chevrolet, Ford, GMC and Mercedes Sprinter luxury conversion vans. Introducing the new Ford Transit, the smoothest ride of any full-sized van for sale on the market…


Class B Camper/Motorhome Vans

The high quality and selection of class B motorhomes and camper vans at Classic Vans makes us the obvious choice for finding a van that offers the freedom and comfort of traveling in an RV, but at a fraction of the price. Click here to view our inventory of motorhomes, class B camper vans, and mini campers from the best travel van manufacturers, including: Airstream Interstate, Chinook, Phoenix Cruiser, Great West, GTRV, Hasca Navion, Leisure Travel, Pleasure-Way, Roadtrek, Sportsmobile, Thor Citation and Winnebago.

 

Wheelchair Vans

Affordable disability vehicles: Equipped with both power and manual handicap lifts, our Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Honda and Toyota wheelchair vans ensure the needs of all passengers and drivers are taken care of. Our mobility experts will evaluate your specific preferences and disability needs, make the appropriate van modifications, and deliver your custom full-sized, mini or commercial handicapped accessible van right to your door in 2-4 weeks.

 

Nationwide Van Delivery

Classic Vans delivers your custom van directly to your home or work anywhere in the U.S. for one low flat shipping rate. Simply place your order online or by calling us directly at (866) 370-8222 and your very own custom luxury conversion, camper or wheelchair accessible van can be sitting in your driveway in just 2-4 weeks.