Converting a van into electric

raemon

Hi all not sure where exactly to post this so hope moderators don't mind that I use this post in the loan section.

As the title suggests converting van i to electric. It's a camper van and I figured the amount of driving I do it's will eventually be worth it. I do around 20k a year in a diesel. Also because it is a camper I could save on hotels too.

I was just wonder what people think. The conversion is not cheap around 35k so it probably be about 10 years for my investment to repay. I also need to take a Loan out does any one have any suggestions? Thanks for your help

angrycrow

Assuming a current mpg of 45 and ignoring the fact you need to pay for the electric you would be looking at 14 years plus to break even. Would the batteries even last that long. 20000 miles a year is a lot for an electric vehicle and would the conversion provide sufficient range for all of your usage.

reeac

All depends on the availability of charging points where you need them. At 20k a year you'd need to charge about every other day. Would this fit in with your envisaged use?

raemon

Hi I'm actually an expat working in Germany I travel to the uk to see family when ever I get a chance. 4-5 times a year! If I don't go to the uk I travel around Europe for short trips etc. Batteries need replacing every 100-150k. I have quoted for a 200mile ramble with rapid charge.

To charge is very cheap compared to Disel. In an electric to do 200 miles will cost 3 pounds , and that's when one pays there are points where it is free. There are many charge points in Germany holland uk but not many in Spain

forgotmyname

And whats the insurance going to be like for your modified vehicle?

How does the 20,000 miles compute into actual use? 5000 x 4 miles journeys? 100 miles a day, Whats the battery capacity for your £35k conversion? What will the estimated total weight be?
What have they quoted for the range and performance?

Estimate 10 years to cover the conversion, wont the motor need servicing within that timeframe and the estimated 200,000 miles?

10 years based on the cost of diesel alone, but not taken into account the cost to charge it.

raemon

Hi I could of written a whole electric vs oil advantages etc but would be here forever. The maintenances on an electric motor is next to nothing. Electric motors do not last to the 300k like diesels but in the million miles!!��

forgotmyname

You could do the electric vs diesel argument and electric may win, until you need to do 300 miles in a car that will only go 100 miles between charges.

The motor will last a million miles? Are you sure on that?

lincroft1710

So you have to borrow £35K? How much will you actually pay back?

I just cannot see this making economic sense.

System

Total weight was mentioned. This is going to be a massive issue. The range and speed are going to be dictated by the size of the motor and how many batteries you need. The weight of those will be taken off the maximum gross vehicle weight so if the vehicle is plated for 3 tonnes and your conversion adds a tonne to the unladen weight then that is a tonne less that you can carry. Normally not a problem but if you only end up with a difference between the unladen and GVW of half a tonne then it may be a problem as four large people plus luggage could make your vehicle overloaded.

motorguy

This seems like a willfully bad idea.

10 years minimum ROI and you're not factoring in the cost of borrowing the money in to that, so even longer?

Are they "guaranteeing" the battery life, because i suspect not, so that could be another cost.

AdrianC

Your big problem with a camper is going to be weight. Campers are often close to the GVW with fairly low payload, because of the weight of the fittings.

What's the kerb weight of the vehicle now? What's the plated GVW?
Yes, you'll save a bit of weight by taking the old mechanicals out, but you're adding the weight of the electric motor, controls, and - most importantly - the batteries. Where are you going to put them? Underfloor is probably already busy with water tanks, heater, gas etc...

You do 20k a year in it. What's your longest typical day? Will the range be adequate? Will the batteries recharge fully overnight on a campsite hook-up that may be limited current?