The future’s bright for electric campers
Rising to the Challenge
At The Custom Shop we are really excited at the pace and direction of innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, after all, the UK Government has announced it plans to stop the sale of all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040. All our favourite companies are responding in creative and unique ways to the challenges posed by the climate emergency, including the insane Harley Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle and quick-to-market Ford Transit Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV).
We are all cyclists and skaters, so it’s great to see companies pushing the limits of what is possible using these traditional forms of transport. From E-road bikes like the Pinarello Nytro (whenever we get dropped on the road we tell ourselves they must have electric support!) to the futuristic monowheels on offer, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Facing the future
The current state of the EV market is incredible, but perhaps the best is yet to come. A start-up we are following with interest is Rivian, which is using a ‘skateboard’ undercarriage to its vehicles to offer a massive battery with huge range that is suitable for off-roading in both its pickup and SUV forms.
It strikes us a two way process, with both vehicle manufacturers doing their bit and working in sync with the battery and charging industries. Managing our environmental impact involves lifestyle change as well as simply moulding our current habits into lower-impact forms, however we don’t see any reason to ignore the incredible innovation pursued by existing companies.
E-Campers?
Understandably, here at The Custom Shop we can’t wait to see how the camper community and campervan manufacturers respond to the growing interest in electric vehicles. Volkswagen have launched their tantalising VW ID Buzz concept in California (the home of West Coast camper culture!), and our favourite EV YouTubers Fully Charged got the chance to drive it in this video.
Our impression is that the transition to EV will lead to some major changes for camper culture. Electric motors won’t be contributing any more stock to the ‘old banger’ generation of beautiful vintage split-screen and early VW vans, but it seems the creative team want to keep the unmistakeable aesthetic of their design ancestors. Camper owners are familiar with managing leisure batteries, gas cookers, and a range of auxiliary components and technology within their vehicle, and we think electric motors can bring about new levels of integration between these appliances.
What’s next
With incoming legislation accelerating the development and production of hybrid and electric vehicles, we feel it’s essential to embrace and engage with these new technologies. With important research indicating the potential of EVs to meet a range of challenges, we can’t wait to see what’s next in this exciting industry.