Converting a van into electric

knightstyle

VW have an electric camper that will be in production soon, just wait a bit and buy one of those.

AdrianC

knightstyle wrote: »

VW have an electric camper that will be in production soon, just wait a bit and buy one of those.

There's apparently going to be an electric Crafter this year - 120 mile official range, 1700kg payload - but there won't be an electric T6 Transporter. T7 is coming, maybe this year, maybe next - and there'll probably be an electric version of that. Whether they do an electric California is another question - probably, purely for the hype. I dread to think what it'll cost, though... <wince>

Strider590

Batteries could be an issue, i'd fully expect a lithium battery (of cells) to have deteriorated to less than half it's design capacity within 5 years. At least a 50litre fuel tank still holds 50litre of fuel 50 years later.

LandyAndy

raemon wrote: »

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

The forum friendly version is 'this is a completely ridiculous and unworkable, unaffordable idea'.

Norman_Castle

raemon wrote: »

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

If you break even in 10 years time your campervan will be 10 years and 200,000 miles older. Its not worth the investment or effort.

The freedom of the open road up to the next charging point? Pointless, as you will find when the batteries run out.

Strider590

Norman_Castle wrote: »

If you break even in 10 years time your campervan will be 10 years and 200,000 miles older. Its not worth the investment or effort.

The freedom of the open road up to the next charging point? Pointless, as you will find when the batteries run out.

I blame the "rich" part time enthusiasts you see at events like van/busfest, they buy a camper, they pay someone to rebuild it, they roll up pretending to be enthusiast and try to claim they did it themselves, totally missing the point of actually owning such a vehicle.

I dare say going electric is quite trendy at the moment and the only way it's "worth the investment or effort" is for showing off.

Ozzuk

Can you look at sacrificing space and having an LG conversion? Never seen one done on a campervan though.

Electric at 35k seems crazy - what if you crash the car in a years time, would the insurance cover the conversion? Or if it gets stolen...

AdrianC

Ozzuk wrote: »

Can you look at sacrificing space and having an LG conversion? Never seen one done on a campervan though.

By LG, I assume you mean LPG, not the electronics brand?

The vast majority of campers are diesel, not petrol. If they are petrol, then you still have to use a separate tank for cooking/heating/fridge to road fuel, even though you'd fill 'em at the same pump.

Ozzuk

AdrianC wrote: »

By LG, I assume you mean LPG, not the electronics brand?

The vast majority of campers are diesel, not petrol. If they are petrol, then you still have to use a separate tank for cooking/heating/fridge to road fuel, even though you'd fill 'em at the same pump.

Ah yes, it's been a long day

I should know that as I'm currently looking at T5s to replace my T4...

digitaly

I have succesfully converted an old WV Beetle to electrics 48v using a forklift motor clutch and gearbox (for short jurneys) acid filled batteries (not the best but the cheepest) I would not suggest this application for a camper. Instead I would look into idrogen to save 20% on diesel (or more if you can manage to install 3 250w solar pannels to help the productions of idrogen on board and driving daytime). And if you travel to germany alot, Upgrade your tank and fill up in Luxemburg. Save that 35k for service and good holidays :-) in 10 years time you don't know what is going to come out. I aslo converted a little smart fortwo into LPG (not really impressed on saving) and now I'm converting a 400cc motorbike into LPG by fitting a gas tank inside the actual petrol tank (stealt installation) :-)