These are early days, although electrical versions of classic motorhome model vehicles are emerging, without any exception, they are in van range (instead of, say, chassis-cabs to get coach-built motorhomes), there is still a very long way to go. The purchase price of an electric motorhome base automobile could cost significantly more, however, you'll have the chance to cut a bit of that down by opting for a Plug-in Van Grant of anything around £8,000. And, obviously, your everyday running costs will be a whole lot less. Check out our rundown of the best electric campervan manufacturers below.
Fiat Ducato Hymercar Free 600 Special Edition
In the realm of motorhomes (instead of campervans), Fiat's Ducato dominance is virtually ultimate - it is believed to be the foundation vehicle for three out of four motorhomes produced in Europe. And it marks its 40th anniversary in 2021, with over 2.5 million models produced up to now. No wonder that Fiat commented the Ducato spearheading its "foray to 100% electrical vehicles". The initial price is sky-high as far as motorhome conversions are concerned - it is £47,675 before VAT is added, although following PiVG (Plug-in Van Grant). The E-Ducato includes a selection of 2 battery volumes - 47kWh or 79kWh, together with a 90kW motor. Options are between 99 kilometres and 192 miles per hour. The best speed is 62mph. On the other hand, the electric drivetrain for both of these is being made by an outside supplier.
VW ID Buzz
This eTransporter made in combination with electric pro ABT e-Line is intended as Volkswagen's initial all-electric van and it is currently available in the United Kingdom. On the continent, electrical variations of this Crafter and Caddy have been announced. However, its hottest base automobile for motorhome conversions by now, the Transporter 6.1, features an initial price of 42,060 before VAT in electrical format. And even after that, it is just a van as opposed to a specially made motorhome base automobile. As Volkswagen describes it, it is a"1966 classic with 2020 electrical drive". It is only an idea, but it is surely a forecast of what is to come. Then, of course, the ID Buzz was scheduled for manufacturing as a "microbus" in 2022, there'll surely be campervan models to look for.
Ford Transit Custom Trail
With Ford announcing a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) variant of its Transit Custom, it was not long before its first campervan converter, Wellhouse Leisure features its own Misano 2 elevating roof version available with the brand new power offering. The Transit Custom PHEV includes a one-litre 126PS Ford EcoBoost engine with an engine and automatic transmission. The entire range is over 310 miles, although just 30 kilometres of it is "electric".
Costs for the camper stay competitive too, starting at about £57,000 (with a Plug-in Van Grant). Wellhouse employs the Transit Custom 340 as its base for an additional 200kg payload to pay the additional weight of the batteries, even though their place below the floor means there is no disruption to the living space. The rest of the conversion is pretty much the same as any typical Misano 2. An all-electric variant is scheduled for 2021.
Nissan e-NV200
Specialist campervan manufacturer Hillside Leisure scored something of a world exclusive model when they announced they are manufacturing the first-ever all-electric motorhome conversion, based on Nissan's e-NV200. That was back in 2015 when it was named the Dalbury E. The latest versions are named the EV-1 and come with an enhanced 40kWh battery, which extends the range to anything from 124 miles to 187 miles with a recharge time of 40-60 minutes. Prices start at a very reasonable price £39,995. At 4.56m long, it's pretty much a micro-camper, albeit with a VW-style side kitchen conversion, elevating roof and rear seats for two extra passengers.