These are still just studies, but it is not too bold to predict that camper vans and motorhomes will soon be powered by electric motors. The Allgäu-based motorhome manufacturer Dethleffs presented its e.home concept back in 2017: a motorhome that rides on electricity, runs all of the appliances on board on electricity (instead of gas) and charges its battery thanks to a total of 31 DE-CH;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">m² Solar cells on the outer shell charge themselves when no charging station is available.

Another interesting concept was presented by two American manufacturers: Zeus Electric Chassis is working on massive e-pickups and trucks, SylvanSport has made a name for itself with a tent and luggage trailer. Together, they are developing an E-camper for off-road use.

The vehicle, which only exists as a rough visualization (and therefore does not actually exist yet), will be 7.6 m long and 3 m high. This puts it in the range of typical alcove motorhomes, i.e. mobile vacation homes, which may look uncool but offer significantly more space and living comfort than the popular VW buses and the like.

The as yet unnamed model from Zeus Electric Chassis and SylvanSport definitely looks like an adventure. The partners reinforce this impression with two rope-mounted Fischer canoes. Attaching the bikes to one long side would be a new solution. How practical it is remains to be seen.

The range of over 600 km is a big promise. Of course, anyone seeking independence off-road does not want to have their route dictated exclusively by the charging stations. The impressive weight of 6350 kg is probably due not least to a massive battery. Incidentally, this makes it too heavy to be ridden with a "normal" driver's license in Switzerland and Europe. SylvanSport also wants to equip the off-road vehicle with an unspecified water treatment system to further reduce emissions.

The two manufacturers are still unable to provide much evidence that the electric off-road camper van is more than just an idea. For example, Zeus Electric Chassis only has a few seconds of video sequences in which their e-pickup prototypes actually move forward. These are not yet on sale either. Nevertheless, it is a matter of time and technical development before the first campers find their way quietly whirring off-road. Whether it will be this model or another remains to be seen.