Are Electric Campervans the Future?

People will forever have the desire to travel, and hitting the road in a campervan is one of the greatest ways to explore. But in a world where electric vehicles are becoming more common, where does this leave campervans? Are electric campervans the future? Read on to find out everything you need to know about buying and owning an electric campervan.

Electric campervans are no longer just an idea for the future. Quirky Campers’ electric collection includes everything from modern electric vans to converted classic VWs.

Will diesel and petrol vans be banned?

The important word here is “new”. Current government policy is to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with all new cars and vans expected to be fully zero emission by 2035. The government launched a review of the route towards these targets in August 2026, but confirmed that the 2035 zero-emission goal remains unchanged.

This does not mean existing petrol or diesel campervans will suddenly be banned from the road. You will still be able to own, drive and sell an existing campervan, provided it remains legal and roadworthy.

When should I make the switch to electric?

We believe electric campervans have an important part to play in lower-emission travel. They produce no exhaust emissions while being driven, although their overall environmental impact also depends on how the vehicle and battery are made, how it is charged and how it is used.

Manufacturers are developing more electric vans and additional used models are reaching the second-hand market. Choice still varies considerably by vehicle size, range, payload and price.

Buying an electric campervan

Types of Electric Campervans

Broadly, there are two routes: convert a factory-built electric van into a camper, or replace the petrol or diesel drivetrain in an existing vehicle with an electric system. The main differences are outlined below.

Factory-Built Electric Vans

This means starting with a van that was built as an electric vehicle and converting its living space, or buying one that has already been converted. Both new and used electric vans are available, although the choice depends on the size, range, payload and price you need.

Retrofit

Retrofitting takes an existing petrol or diesel vehicle and replaces its combustion engine and fuel system with an electric motor, traction batteries, charging equipment and the control systems needed to make them work together. It is a specialist engineering project rather than a straightforward engine swap.

The registered keeper must notify the DVLA when the conversion is complete. Whether the vehicle retains its original registration depends on the structural modifications and original components that remain; some conversions may require an inspection, Individual Vehicle Approval and a Q registration. For most buyers, choosing a factory-built electric van or an already completed electric campervan will be simpler. Retrofitting generally makes most sense when preserving a much-loved classic or unusual vehicle.

How much do they cost to buy & convert?

The cost of a modern electric campervan varies depending on the base vehicle, battery, range and conversion specification. Retrofit costs also vary widely according to the donor vehicle, battery capacity, engineering work and finish required.

Obtain current written quotations and compare the complete finished cost, including registration work, insurance and any charging equipment you may need. Before committing, compare the running costs of owning a campervan with the cost of hiring one for the trips you are likely to take.

Where can I buy an electric campervan?

There are still fewer ready-made electric campervans than petrol or diesel models, but the choice is growing. Check the fuel type when you browse campervans for sale and confirm the battery condition, warranty, payload and charging specification before buying.

You can also commission a specialist to convert a new electric van or retrofit an existing vehicle. The Quirky Converter Directory lets you filter businesses according to their experience with modern electric vehicles and conventional vehicles being converted to electric.

What vehicles are suitable for retrofit?

There is no simple age cut-off. Older vehicles can be mechanically simpler to convert, which is one reason classic VW campers remain popular retrofit projects, but suitability depends more on the individual vehicle and proposed engineering than its age.

An experienced specialist should assess the vehicle’s structural condition, weight and axle limits, braking and suspension, space for safely mounted batteries and the electronic systems that must remain operational. The amount of cutting, drilling or welding matters because structural changes can affect how the DVLA treats the vehicle. Confirm the proposed registration, insurance and testing route before buying a donor van specifically for conversion. If you are viewing a completed camper, our guide to inspecting a campervan conversion covers the living-space electrics, gas system, damp protection and overall build quality; arrange a separate specialist assessment of the electric drivetrain and traction battery.

Maintenance

Are they more expensive to maintain?

Electric drivetrains generally have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel engines, so scheduled maintenance may be simpler and cheaper. They do not require engine-oil changes, fuel filters or timing-belt replacements, but they still need routine checks and maintenance for items such as tyres, brakes, suspension, cabin filters and any battery-cooling system. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s and converter’s servicing guidance.

Will I need an MOT?

Yes. In Great Britain, most new vehicles need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration and then every year. Different rules apply in Northern Ireland, so check the requirements for where the vehicle is registered.

A converted classic is not automatically MOT-exempt simply because it is over 40 years old. The exemption depends on whether it has been substantially changed, and the DVLA may ask for an MOT as part of registering an electric conversion. Regular safety checks remain sensible even where an exemption applies.

Do I pay road tax?

Yes, in most cases. The previous electric-vehicle exemption ended on 1 April 2025. Electric cars, vans, motorcycles and tricycles now pay vehicle tax, although the amount depends on the vehicle’s registration date and tax class. Check the current position using the official vehicle tax guidance.

What happens if I run out of charge?

Running out of usable charge will stop the vehicle, so contact your breakdown provider. Providers such as RAC offer EV-specific assistance, but the help available will depend on the vehicle, location and service. Check what cover is included before travelling.

Logistics

Where can I recharge?

Public chargers are available at motorway services, supermarkets, car parks, hotels and other destinations across the UK, and the network continues to grow. For the current national picture, see the Department for Transport’s latest public charging statistics.

Apps such as Zapmap can help you find chargers and filter them by connector, power and availability. Journey planning means you can spend less time faffing with maps and more time getting excited about your adventure.

Some campsites have dedicated EV chargers, while others may allow vehicle charging by prior arrangement. Never assume that a standard pitch hook-up can be used to charge the vehicle battery. Ask the campsite and campervan owner what is permitted before plugging in.

Charging time depends on the battery, the van’s maximum charging rate and the charger being used.

Rapid charging also slows as the battery fills, so use the manufacturer’s or owner’s guidance when planning a journey rather than relying on a simple calculation.

How much does it cost to recharge?

There is still a large variation in charging costs depending on convenience, speed and location. Home and overnight charging can be cheaper, while public rapid charging is usually more expensive. Prices and tariffs change regularly, so a fixed cost table would date quickly.

Public chargers must display their maximum price in pence per kilowatt-hour before charging begins. Current public charge point regulations also require contactless payment at new public chargers rated at 8kW or above and existing public chargers rated at 50kW or above, subject to limited exceptions.

Compare the displayed price before starting a session and check whether separate parking or connection fees apply.

How far can I travel on a full charge?

How far an electric campervan can travel varies hugely depending on model, weight, weather conditions, speed and so on.

Quirky’s electric collection includes different types and generations of vehicle, so there is no single representative range. Some are best suited to shorter trips, while newer models can travel much farther between charges.

Check the current listing and ask the owner about the range they achieve in practice, then plan charging stops with a comfortable buffer.

Differences when converting an electric vehicle

Do electric campervans have a higher payload?

Not necessarily. Electric base vehicles can be heavier than comparable diesel versions because of the traction battery, which can reduce the weight available for passengers, luggage and the conversion itself. However, usable payload depends on the exact model, battery size, plated maximum weight and completed conversion, so check the figures for the specific van rather than relying on fuel type alone.

Our campervan weight and payload guide explains MAM, payload calculations and how to plan a safer conversion.

Can the vehicle batteries power your living space?

That depends on the vehicle and conversion. Many electric campers use a separate leisure battery for the fridge, lights and other living-area equipment.

The leisure battery may be charged using a suitable combination of campsite hook-up, solar and a vehicle-compatible charging system. Some newer electric vans can also provide power through a manufacturer-approved onboard or vehicle-to-load system.

Do not alter or connect to the high-voltage traction battery unless the vehicle manufacturer or specialist converter has designed and approved the setup. Confirm compatibility and warranty conditions before work begins.

Can Solar Panels Charge the Vehicle Battery?

Roof-mounted solar panels on a campervan are normally used to charge the leisure battery, not the traction battery that drives the vehicle. Adding useful driving range from solar requires a vehicle-specific system, so do not assume standard campervan panels can charge the main battery.

A Dutch university team has demonstrated an experimental solar motorhome with a large deployable panel array, but it is a research prototype rather than a realistic comparison with a normal campervan. You can see the experimental vehicle here.

Try before you buy

Want to know how it feels to drive an electric camper? Here at Quirky, we’re big believers in the ‘try before you buy’ approach. Hiring an electric campervan before committing to one can help you decide whether electric travel suits your plans and what size, layout and range you need.

Quirky Campers has a changing collection of fully electric campervans, ranging from modern models to converted classics. A few current examples include:

Are Electric Campervans the Future?

Will diesel and petrol vans be banned?

When should I make the switch to electric?